 |
Communicator's
Corner:
Reminder: The NIC offices will be closed on
Monday, May 30
in observance of
Memorial Day.
In the News
Centennial UMC in Rockford is preparing to celebrate its 180th anniversary. " They've changed pastors, locations and languages for services, but their mission has not changed for 180 years." Read more in the Rockford Star.
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.
#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
If you still would like a 2015 Journal, you can order copies online through Amazon.
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.
--------
Check out our new Instagram Account
|
|
|
|
|
General Conference 2016
 After an intense two weeks of discussion, debate and voting, along with time for prayer and worship together, thousands of United Methodists were present for the close of the 2016 General Conference on May 20.
Click here for a look at highlights from the 11 days in Portland.
In a special video wrap up, participants talk about their experiences at the global church's gathering in Portland and their hope for the future as a church united in mission. The video shared at the closing of General Conference 2016 is available to download for individual use or in worship settings.
General Conference 2016 also celebrated the Imagine No Malaria initiative launched in 2008 and learned about its next phase: Abundant Health. The 12-minute celebration debuted the song "Able," commissioned by Imagine No Malaria as a gift to United Methodists across the globe and performed by Jeremy Rosado, a Top 12 contestant on "American Idol"... Click to read more on how to download the song for free.
Did you know several NIC clergy and laity served as volunteer pages, marshals, ushers, parliamentarians and other supportive roles? Click here to watch a few videos as they talk about their experiences.
Chicago Southern District Superintendent Rev. Dr. Tracy Smith Malone served as the Chair of the Agenda and Calendar committee reporting each morning of General Conference. Read more.
|
|
Council of Bishops Statement
 The United Methodist Council of Bishops met on May 21 following the close of General Conference for worship and prayer for the ongoing unity of The United Methodist Church. The Saturday meeting was planned prior to presenting " An Offering for a Way Forward" to the 2016 General Conference, but recognizing the importance of moving forward with the proposal, the council utilized the opportunity to discuss the possible framework for forming a commission and identify some of the qualities and characteristics needed among its membership.
The council charged the executive committee with designing the process for forming a commission and creating a timeline for the proposal, recognizing the need to take time to make conscientious decisions yet not delay the process.
"We pledge to take great care in choosing the membership of the commission," said council president Bishop Bruce R. Ough. "We will work deliberately, intentionally and in a conscientious and prayerful manner to insure the commission reflects the diverse opinions and commitments of the body." Read the entire statement.
|
|
NIC Board of Ordained Ministry -
Open Letter to The United Methodist Church
The Board of Ordained Ministry of the Northern Illinois Conference at its meeting on Thursday, May 19 unanimously voted that "It's time" to make explicit and public a policy of our board.
The policy states:
"We publicly affirm that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, and straight candidates will be given equal consideration and protection in the candidacy process. Sexual orientation and gender identity are not and will not be considered in the evaluation of candidates by the Board of Ordained Ministry of the Northern Illinois Conference." In taking this action, the Board stands in a long Wesleyan tradition of making ordination decisions that are prophetic and faithful as we seek to serve God's people in all places. We also stand today with Boards of Ordained Ministries from the Baltimore-Washington, New York, and Pacific Northwest Annual Conferences who have already affirmed similar policies.
God calls diverse persons, who faithfully follow Jesus, to ministry. All of them bring wonderful gifts to our conference and to the overall mission of the church. We receive them gratefully and discern carefully who we will recommend for ordination. We consider the faith, character, call, gifts and fruitfulness of all candidates for ordination. Click here to read the full statement.
|
Annual Conference Updates - Walk by Faith
 |
| |
The 177th Annual Conference will be held June 5-7, 2016 at Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles, Ill
|
Online registration is closed. Onsite registration is $128.
If you registered online, you can pick up your name badge and packets starting at 1pm on Sunday, June 5 in the MegaCenter (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.
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 watch and share the latest Different Drummers on the Launch to Life campaign and one young adult's story of finding sobriety.
Youth Session
Youth and Youth leaders are invited to participate in the annual youth session at Annual Conference on Sunday, June 5 from 2-6:30pm. 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.
Artwork Auction
Postcards of the annual conference artwork by Kristine Marshall will be for sale Sunday 1:00-7:00pm, Monday 7:30am-7:30pm and Tuesday 7:30am -12:30pm. Looking for something larger? A silent auction of the artwork on display will also take place and close at 12:30pm on Sunday. Proceeds will go toward the Bishop's Appeal. Sales and the auction sheets will be at a table outside the Mega Center.
If you would like to hear Kristine talk about last year's Annual Conference artwork, "Replenish", she will be at Wesley United Methodist Church in Aurora for "Art In The Parlor" on Friday, June 3, from 7:00pm to 9:00pm. Come for the art viewing and artist meet-and-greet in the church's parlor, located at 14 North May St., Aurora.
|
|
|
New ChildServ President scheduled speaker at breakfast
The new ChildServ President and CEO Dan Kotowski 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
Keep Families Together
Between Mother's Day and Father's Day, Northern Illinois Justice for Our Neighbors is running a Keep Families Together Campaign. For the cost of a bouquet of flowers or a tie, you can help immigrant families stay together. Read Johnny's story and visit nijfon.org/donate to learn more.
Five Day Academy for Spiritual Formation - Your Spirit Calls
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. Read more....
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. Click here to learn more.
|
|
| (click on title for more information)
|
|
|
|
|
