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What draws people to church? Poll has insights
Opportunities for spiritual growth and authentic community are top motivators for young adults to attend church, says a survey conducted by Barna Group on behalf of United Methodist Communications. Barna's findings resonate, say some newly baptized United Methodists.
Heather Hahn reports.
Volunteers needed
NW Detroit Flood "muck out" teams needed! Hope, Healing, Recovery...Walking with Survivors of the
August 11, 2014 flood.
Anyone willing to offer their leadership skills for a week or two? Anyone willing to put together a team to spend
a week in Detroit?
Contact Rev. Rebecca Wilson, 18900 Joy Rd. Detroit, MI 48228, Office: 313.646.4052 Cell: 313.610.2211, Email: deacon.beckyw@gmail.com
Media Resource Center
The Conference Media Resource Director Susan Gieseler officially begins her retirement July 1, 2016.
During a period of transition while decisions are made regarding the future of the Resource Center, Susan will continue to work part-time, and plans to be in the office on Tuesdays and Thursdays. You can find her hours posted on the at: www.umcnic.org/media.
You will still be able to send emails, or leave voice-mail messages requesting resources by reaching her at sgieseler@umcnic.org or 847-931-0710 ext. 17.
UMW Scholarships
The Northern Illinois Conference United Methodist Women offer a one-time scholarship each year for a woman that is currently enrolled in continuing education to become an ordained minister, deaconess or missionary. Click here for the form. The deadline is Aug.1, 2016.
UM Foundation Grants
The United Methodist Foundation of the Northern Illinois Conference announces the 2017 grants cycle.
Funds are typically granted for new or expanded ministries or projects - seed money to begin the new direction. Grants generally range from $500 - $2,000.
If your church has an idea and a plan for mission-based programming, please check out the Grant Guidelines and consider applying by completing the
Questions can be directed to Janet Boryk, Grants Coordinator ,847.409.9642 or Carolyn Cook, Executive Assistant, 312.346.9766, extension 704.
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Rev. Dr. Tracy Smith Malone elected bishop
Chicago Southern District Superintendent Rev. Dr. Tracy Smith Malone humbly praised God and thanked everyone who's helped her along the journey to being elected bishop in the North Central Jurisdiction. It's been 20 years since a candidate from the Northern Illinois Conference has been elected bishop and Malone becomes the first female bishop elected from the NIC as well.
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Rev. Malone and husband Derrick share the moment following her announcement of being elected bishop in the North Central Jurisdiction.
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"To God be the glory," said Smith Malone after being introduced as a Bishop of The United Methodist Church. "Friends I stand before you as one who feels very blessed. Blessed for the journey, by your prayers and confidence in my leadership. I am a child of a church. You raised me and formed me. I consider it a privilege and an honor to serve the church."
Rev. Malone was the first elected bishop on the sixth ballot at the 2016 North Central Jurisdictional Conference which is gathering at the Peoria Civic Center July 13-16 in Peoria, Ill. The Consecration Service for the four newly elected bishops will be held on Sat., July 16 at 10 am at the First United Methodist Church of Peoria. Click here to read more.
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Time for Listening, Prayer and Sign-acts
 After introductions were made and a roll call was taken at the beginning of the North Central Jurisdictional conference's first business session, Bishop Julius Trimble, who leads the Iowa Conference, addressed delegates on behalf of the North Central Jurisdiction College of Bishops and made a special calendar request.
He noted that the College prayed and reflected upon the news of the recent shootings in Louisiana, Minnesota, and Texas, when members met prior to the start of the North Central Jurisdictional Conference-and he requested that 75 to 90 minutes be set aside at some point during the conference for "listening, prayer, and sign-acts." It was approved by an overwhelming margin.
"The business of the church is to be an instrument of God's grace," Trimble said in making the request. "In light of the shootings and the angst and anguish that grips our society, we believe there is a need to make time at this conference for prayer and conversation. The anger and hurt that has resulted in protest and, in some cases, violence cannot be divorced from the frustration and historic racism that is systemic and sickening. All is not well with our souls and the souls of our nation."
NCJ Conference Secretary Paul White said this time of prayer and conversation will likely take place sometime Friday. Read more about the NCJ happenings at www.ncjumc.org.
Prayer Walk
First United Methodist of Morris' AWARE Group (stands for Acknowledge, Welcome, Advocate, Reconcile, and Educate) is hosting a Community Prayer Walk this Sunday, July 17 from noon to 1pm. They will begin at First UMC (118 W. Jackson Street, Morris, IL), and walk to the courthouse, sheriff's department, funeral home, and city park to pray for justice and peace in the wake of the recent shootings in Minnesota, Baton Rouge, and Dallas. We intend for this prayer walk to be the start of many conversations about violence, race, peace, and justice in our community. All our welcome. For more information visit: www.morrisumc.com.
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School of Congregational Development - Aug. 17-20
Register Today!
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. Participants will be encouraged to Discover, Engage, be Equipped, and 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.
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