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Click here to watch a UMTV video on the "Mother of Methodism" - Susanna Wesley

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.
Click here for more information. 
 

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 / [email protected]Click here for more info.

#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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eNews                                                                                        May 5, 2016                                                                              
General Conference 2016  - May 10-20
  
General Conference 2016 officially begins with Opening Worship and Communion on Tuesday, May 10, 2016 at 2:00 pm (PST) 4:00pm (CST)
with Bishop Warner Brown, Jr. delivering the message.

Some 864 delegates,
elected from around the world, will gather at the Portland, Oregon Convention Center to set policy and direction for the church, as well as handle other important business.

Thanks to United Methodist Communications, General Conference can be followed online through:
Northern Illinois Conference communications will be shared through Facebook on the NIC General/Jurisdictional Page and on Twitter (@umcnic).

Please continue to pray for our Bishop, 6 delegates, staff, volunteers and for all those who will be in Portland participating in General Conference. To sign up or read the the Upper Room's daily meditations go to: 60daysofprayer.org.
  
Annual Conference Updates - Walk by Faith
Online Registration ends May 20  
The 177th Annual Conference will be held June 5-7, 2016 at Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles, Ill

Cost: $93 through May 20

After May 20 cost increases to $128 and must be done onsite at Pheasant Run June 5-7. All group meals must also be purchased by May 20. Buffets will be available to purchase onsite.
 
Register:  www.umcnic.org/AC2016  

Registration at AC

Pick up your name badge and packets starting at 1pm on Sunday, June 5 and in the Mega Center (note the new location this year). We encourage to you download and print legislation and pertinent documents before you arrive. Legislation and Historical Reports are on the webpage to view and download at  www.umcnic.org/AC2016.

First time to Annual Conference? 

Please come to the New Member Orientation session on Sunday, June 5 at 1:30 pm in Sky Box 1.

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 conference committee. The nomination form can be found at www.umcnic.org/forms and must be completed by May 16. Read more.

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 to read how one mother found healing in her son's recovery.

Youth Session    
Youth and Youth leaders are invited to participate in the annual youth session at Annual Conference on Sunday, June 5 from 2-6:3pm. The theme for this year's Youth Session is Caring, Compassion, Community!  Our featured presentation will be Youth Addiction and Prevention. Cost is $10. Click here for more information and registration. 

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.

Media
If you have any PowerPoint or video presentations for Annual Conference, please submit them to Susan Gieseler by May 15. Contact her by email [email protected] or 847-931-0710 ext. 17. Videos must be on a DVD.
UM Foundation announces search for new president
  
The United Methodist Foundation of Northern Illinois Conference is curretnly seeking to fill the position of President. Click to read a  complete job description which can also be found 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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected].
  
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

Download the flyer 
  
News & Events
 
New ChildServ President scheduled speaker at breakfast
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 by May 20. Click here for details

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
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