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Texas floods prompt relief work, prayers
United Methodists in Houston and elsewhere in southeast Texas continue to join fellow residents in coping with flooding rains that have claimed lives and damaged thousands of homes and other buildings, 
including churches.
has been underway, but most is on hold because the weather hasn't let up. Click here to read more.

2016 Older Adult Recognition Day Resources  
Is your church planning an Older Adult Recognition Day, typically observed in the month of May? The Office On Aging & Older Adult Ministry has compiled sermon starters, music suggestions, prayers, resource lists, and suggestions for engaging with the older adults in your community. Explore by clicking here. 
To order your Golden Cross special offering envelopes call or email Pong Javier, OAM co-chair 708-268-7003 / abjavierjr@gmail.com. Click here for more info.

In the News
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More than 50 youth and leaders join Bishop on Bus Tour

54 chaperones and youth, took part in the Bishop's Bus Tour on April 16. They traveled from Evanston to Skokie to Chicago learning about Syrian Refugees, the Holocaust and Native American history.  Click here to read more.
 
#CTTalks series on strategic directions
 
The Connectional Table has begu w series of #CTTalks highlighting the work done to develop strategic directions in each of the Four Areas of Focus. The online forum features a series of videos and social media conversations around key topics related to General Conference 2016. 
 
2015 Journal
 
Pre-ordered copies of the 2015 Journal have been mailed. The Journal can now also be ordered online through Amazon. There is a difference in the Amazon list price of $15 compared to the pre-order price of $25 to take into account the shipping cost. Click here to order. The NIC is no longer sending each church one free copy. The Journal is available on our website free to download as a pdf. Click here. 
  
Free Insurance eBook 
United Methodist Insurance (UMI), the insurance company for the denomination's local churches, has created an easy to use, free resource for local churches that provides a quick glance at insurance concepts to be considered when reviewing insurance policies. To receive the free eBook,  click here. 
 
  Now is the time to register for summer camps at Wesley Woods or Reynoldswood. 
Click here for a listing of the 2016 camps, dates and prices. Also look for and share this special insert found in the March Reporter.
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eNews                                                                                    April 21, 2016                                                                              
Annual Conference - Walk by Faith
Early Bird pricing ends Apr. 29  

The 177th Annual Conference will be held June 5-7, 2016 at Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles, Ill. 
 
Register today!
  • April 8 - April 29: $78
  • April 30 - May 20: $93
  • May 21 - June 7 - onsite only: $128  
  • Visit www.umcnic.org/AC2016 to register.
  • All registrations are due by May 20. After May 20 you will need to register when you arrive at Pheasant Run at the higher cost.
  • Registration opens at 1 pm on Sunday, June 5 and in a new location this year - the Mega Center. Refreshments will be in the foyer.
Orientation  
If you are a first time member, please come to the New Member Orientation session on Sunday, June 5 at 1:30 pm in Sky Box 1.

Child Care 
Childcare is provided by the Pheasant Run staff. It is at no cost to the parents but registration is REQUIRED. Walk-ins will NOT be accepted. A 48 hour notice of cancellation is required and no shows will be charged for the actual cost of the service. In order to help clergy with young children to have a fuller participation at Annual Conference, kids at child care will be provided snacks every day, dinner on Sunday and lunches on Monday and Tuesday.

Nominations 
As we approach a new quadrennium, many terms are ending June 30 which leaves openings for new chairs and committee members. The Northern Illinois Conference nominating committee invites you to consider giving with your time and talents by serving on a committee. The nomination form can be found at www.umcnic.org/forms and must be completed by May 20. 

Bishop's Appeal 
The 2016 Bishop's Appeal offering at Annual Conference will go toward Rosecrance and its Launch to Life Campaign which will support a new counseling and recovery residence in Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood. Click here for more information and resources.

Display Tables  
Display Table Registration is still open. Display tables will be in the St. Charles Ballroom in conjunction with Cokesbury Bookstore. (This year Cokesbury will move from the Mega Center foyer to the St. Charles ballroom.) Public display dates are Monday, June 6, and Tuesday, June 7. Due to limited space, we can only accommodate 40 tables this year. Applications will be considered in the order in which they are received. The deadline is May 20 - unless all spots fill sooner. Click here to download the application. Click here to apply online.

Mission Challenge - Start collecting 
This year's Mission Challenge will be for the Midwest Mission Distribution Center which is our United Methodist disaster relief supply center just south of Springfield, IL. This year we are collecting School Kit items and each district will be notified of what its contribution will be. An award for the Mission Challenge will be awarded to the District providing the most school kits. Visit the webpage and click on the "mission" tab.

Blueprint for Wellness Screenings
Blueprint Screenings will be held in the Ruby Room (2nd floor of Tower) on Monday and Tuesday (June 6 & 7) from 7am - 10am. A continental breakfast will be available for any who may have been fasting. To register and for more information click here.
UM Foundation announces search for new president
  
The Search Committee of the United Methodist Foundation of Northern Illinois Conference has developed a more complete job description for the position of President. The job description is also available on the homepage of the Foundation's website at www.nicumf.org. 

Persons interested in pursuing this position may send a resume and letter of interest to Search Committee Chair, Reverend Deb Percell by email at deb.percell@yahoo.com. Clergy and laity are encouraged to apply. The Committee would like to receive all applications by May 15.

If you would like more information about this position you may contact Reverend John Peterson at 312.346.9766, extension 703 or email him at jpeterson@umcnic.org.

John Peterson announced last week he is resigning as President of the Foundation effective June 30 for family reasons and to return to the Florida United Methodist Foundation. 
  
Rainbow Covenant Book Art Contest
 
Rainbow Covenant Logo Calling all young artists to design the cover of the Rainbow Covenant Book

Theme: We are One
Participants: Children in grades 1st to 8th grade.
Drawings: 8 1/2 x 11" white paper with the width being 8 1/2"

On the lower right hand corner of the BACK of the artwork please print: Artist's name, age, address, phone number, church and district.

Jury selection:
Attendees of the Rainbow Covenant Luncheon at the Northern Illinois Annual Conference on June 7, 2016.

Deadline: June 1, 2016.
Mail to: Michael Mann - Associate Director of Mission & Advocacy,  217 Division Street Elgin, IL 60120
If you need more info call: 847-931-0710, ext. 20
  
News & Events
 
United Methodist and Muslim Interfaith Dinner - April 26
You and a guest are cordially invited to the 11th Annual Muslim-Methodist interfaith dinner on April 26 at 6:30pm, co-sponsored by the Northern Illinois Conference and the Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago (CIOGC). Theme: "Faith Against Hate: Scenarios of Solidarity". Keynote Speaker: Rev. Dr. Larry L. Greenfield, new Executive Director of the Parliament of the World's Religions. Location: Islamic Center of Naperville, 2844 Ogden Ave. Click here to RSVP by April 20.
 
Takin' it to the Streets - Urban Summit April 30 
Learn how faith leaders can effectively overcome "inter-generational tribalism" and organize with young people who are often the very targets of systemic injustice? Dr. Leah Gunning-Francis (author of Faith & Ferguson: Sparking Leadership & Awakening Community) will share lessons learned  through listening to, connecting with, and organizing for change with young people. Location: Elston UMC in Chicago. Doors open at 8:30am. Click here to register.

Five Day Academy for Spiritual Formation 
Registration is open for the 5 Day Academy for Spiritual Formation which will be held August 1-6, 2016 at Bellarmine Jesuit Retreat House in Barrington Hills, IL. The Academy for Spiritual Formation is a program of Upper Room Ministries, providing an opportunity for clergy and laity to deepen their relationship with God through a daily rhythm of prayer, worship, learning and reflection. Click here for details.

School of Congregational Development
The Northern Illinois Conference and Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary are hosting the 2016 School of Congregational Development Aug. 17-20 in Evanston, IL. This year's theme is: Into The Deep to Discover, Engage, be Equipped, and to live into the Possibilities that surround us as we share the grace and love of Jesus Christ in our congregations and communities. SCD is sponsored by Discipleship Ministries, Global Ministries, and Path 1. Early bird pricing ends Apr. 30. Click here to learn more. 
Mark Your Calendar
(click on title for more information)     

 
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