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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:
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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.
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
General Conference News  A redesigned 2016 General Conference app is now available. A helpful way to stay connected and learn more about all aspects of the conference, the app will feature news, photo and social media feeds, video and audio archives, live-streaming of worship and plenary, the Daily Christian Advocate and petition tracking. Click here to learn more.
Full on Faith 2015  All congregations are invited to put faith into action by helping hungry neighbors during Full on Faith week at the Northern Illinois Food Bank! Sign up to volunteer during the week of February 22-27, and help the Food Bank fill all volunteer shifts with members of faith groups. Get more info and sign up by clicking here.
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eNews November 25, 2015 Happy Thanksgiving
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| Prayers for peace and justice | |
Bishop Sally Dyck calls upon United Methodists, especially in the city of Chicago, to pray and work for nonviolent responses and protests following the city's release of the police dash-cam video showing 17-year-old Laquan McDonald being fatally shot 16 times by Officer Jason Van Dyke.
While Van Dyke has been charged with first degree murder, Chicago's mayor, police superintendent and state's attorney were slow in responding to the investigation of this shooting.
One way we can seek justice and increase the level of police accountability is to support the proposed FAIR COPS (Freedom through Accountability, Investigation and Reform for Community Oversight of Policing Services) ordinance that has been developed by Community Renewal Society (a faith based community advocacy organization). This ordinance calls for the creation of an Independent Police Auditor Office.
On Tuesday, December 1, 2015, Bishop Dyck encourages us to stand with other faith leaders at a 12 noon press conference at City Hall calling for the City of Chicago to adopt this FAIR COPS ordinance.
Another way to begin to seek justice is to join other faith leaders on Saturday, November 28, 2015 at St. Mark United Methodist Church (8441 S. St. Lawrence Avenue) from 12 noon - 1:30 pm to develop a strategy in response to excessive force by police and pray for the city of Chicago. Download the flyer.
"Let us all be in prayer for those who have lost loved ones in our city due to all forms of gun violence and for government officials and police that they may do what is required for peace and justice in our city," said Bishop Dyck.
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United Methodist Student Day - Nov. 29
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 Congratulations to the 41 students from across all six districts in the Northern Illinois Conference who received scholarships totaling nearly $30,000 in all from the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry. Students can apply for fall 2016 scholarships beginning Jan. 4. Click here to read more.
This Sunday is United Methodist Student day where your gifts help fund a portion of loans and scholarships and help students reach their dreams.
Click here for a FREE, downloadable Student Day pastor's kit, which includes videos, infographics and images, making it easy for church leaders to prepare! NIC Student Grants
The Northern Illinois BHECM is offering grants on a rolling basis to current students participating in campus ministry at the college or university which they attend. Students may apply to receive funds for an event or project that focuses on areas such as:
- vocational exploration/discernment
- spiritual growth
- engagement in social justice
- discipleship
- leadership
- specific priorities of the Northern Illinois Conference
Click here for the qualifications and application.
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Resources for Advent
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 Sunday, Nov. 29 to Thursday, Dec. 24 Planning for the New Year?
Please note: The NIC Media Resource Center will be closed December 21 through January 1. If you anticipate starting a new study in January, you may want to put in your request prior to December 18. The last shipment before Christmas will be sent on Thursday, December 18. The first shipment after Christmas will occur on Monday, January 4.
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Youth gather at summit on gun violence
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 More than 80 youth gathered at St. Matthew UMC in Chicago on Saturday, Nov. 21 despite the heavy snow storm. This was the second annual youth summit organized by the NIC Urban Strategy committee. This year's theme was "Celebrating the Death of Hand Gun Violence in Our Time."
"I believe our youth really get it. Events like this invest in their lives," said Rev. Biekman. "I was particularly moved when during worship, preacher/rapper Rev. Julian DeShazier encouraged youth to "get up" and make a difference and the youth took action by knocking down a wall made of blocks symbolizing the obstacles that are preventing us from realizing the end of gun violence." Read the full article...
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Christmas Gathering of Asian Flavors
Experience the flavor of Asian food, worship, and ministries in NIC. This Christmas enjoy a fresh blend of spiritual truth, mixed with the hope and peace found in Jesus' birth, and a "house" full of new friends. Fill your season with all that God intended! Friday, December 4, 2015 at 6:30pm at Salem Korean UMC, 10 S. Walnut Lane, Schaumburg, IL. Message from Chicago Northwestern District Superintendent Rev. Zaki L. Zaki. Click here for details.
Hispanic/Latino Youth Christmas Celebration -
Celebración Juvenil de Navidad
Peace with Justice Grants
The NIC Board of Church and Society administers Peace with Justice/Emerging Ministries Grants (a portion of the funds from Peace with Justice Sunday are given back to the conference for these grants). The same universal application is used to apply to both programs. All applications are due December 30, 2015. Click here for the application and details.
Shop, Save, and Support UMC This Holiday Season
If you haven't yet checked out the new UMCmarket.org, its an innovative and simple program that offers savings for you while generating contributions for your ministry. Whether purchasing items for donation or shopping for family and friends, it's a great way to give twice, at no additional cost to you.
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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