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Communicator's
Corner:
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Special Sunday Offering
is coming May 22, 2016. This Special Sunday of The United Methodist Church makes possible our ongoing ministries of peace and reconciliation. Ready to use resources are available through a special toolkit with everything you need to lead your congregation to promote peace and justice.
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
Sterling First UMC ministry celebrates 5 years and 50,000 meals
Starting with just a dozen diners for breakfast back in 2011, the Loaves and Fishes ministry now serves an average of 100 free
meals a day!
#CTTalks series on strategic directions
The Connectional Table has begun a 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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Check out our new Instagram Account
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Annual Conference Updates - Walk by Faith
Early Bird pricing ends Friday, Apr. 29 at Midnight
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The 177th Annual Conference will be held June 5-7, 2016 at Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles, Ill
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Register online today!
- April 8 - April 29: $78 (paper registrations must be postmarked by April 29.)
- 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.
Preparing for Annual Conference?
AC Chair Rev. Alka Lyall reminds us of some important information as we count down to June 5.
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 16. Read more.
Bishop's Appeal
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 ScreeningsBlueprint 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.
Meals
The new ChildServ President and CEO Dan Kotwoski is the scheduled speaker for this year's United Voices for Children breakfast at Annual Conference on Monday, June 6 at 6:45am. Guests who are not attending Annual Conference are welcome but must register. Click here for details. All group meals must be reserved by May 20.
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UM Foundation announces search for new president
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 on April 12 that he is resigning as President of the Foundation effective June 30 for family reasons and plans to return to the Florida United Methodist Foundation.
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Rainbow Covenant Book Art Contest
 Calling all young artists to design the cover of the Rainbow Covenant Book
Theme: We are OneParticipants: 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
Download the flyer
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United Methodist and Muslim Interfaith Dinner
 The Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago (CIOGC), along with the Northern Illinois Conference held the 11th Annual United Methodist-Muslim Interfaith Dinner on Tuesday evening. With "Faiths Against Hate: Scenarios of Solidarity" as the evening's theme, 150 guests representing both Muslims and United Methodists attended the dinner at the Islamic Center of Naperville to learn more about each others' faith and to listen to the keynote speaker Rev. Dr. Larry Greenfield, Executive Director of the Parliament of the World's Religions. Following his inspirational address, individuals discussed what they would do in various scenarios in which they were witness to discriminatory behavior or rhetoric taking place against an individual. Bishop Sally Dyck shared a recent hate crime involving a religious center at Northwestern University and motivated individuals to support Illinois Muslim Action Day.
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.
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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. 
