In This Issue:
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Our Mission: "Multiplying Leaders, Ministries and Healthy Churches"
CONFRONTING RACIAL AND RELIGIOUS INJUSTICE  
"Here is my servant whom I have chosen,   the one I love, in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him,   and he will proclaim justice to the nationsHe will not quarrel or cry out;  no one will hear his voice in the streets. A bruised reed he will not break,  and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out, till he has brought justice through to victory In his name the nations will put their hope."   -  Matthew 12:18-21
 
What a vision Jesus had! God the Father loved Him, the Holy Spirit was on Him, Jesus proclaimed justice, without raising His voice or quarrelling. We live in a world filled with just the opposite of this today. Ever-changing news cycles, conflicts between people, loud quarrels in politics, injustices in many places and now horrific attacks against people practicing faith throughout the world.  Only the peace of Jesus can give people hope.
 
As a church we pray for peace (Psalm 122:6) and we work for peace (Matthew 5:9). In our churches we remember to pray for the victims and their affected families whether it is mosques in New Zealand, churches in Sri Lanka, or synagogues in the United States. We deplore beliefs that would lead people to behave in ways that would harm others, especially those engaged in worship.
 
In recent days in the United States, the issues of discriminationrace relations and injustice call us to remember the inherent value of every person as created in the image of God. As Nazarenes, we affirm "Christian compassion for people of all races. We believe that God is the Creator of all people...We believe that each individual, regardless of race, color, gender, or creed, should have equality before law, including the right to vote, equal access to educational opportunities, to all public facilities, and to the equal opportunity, according to one's ability, to earn a living free from any job or economic discrimination..." (Nazarene Manual, par. 915).
 
"We renounce any form of racial and ethnic indifference, exclusion, subjugation, or oppression as a grave sin against God and our fellow human beings. We lament the legacy of every form of racism throughout the world, and we seek to confront that legacy through repentance, reconciliation, and biblical justice...
 
"We call upon Nazarenes everywhere to identify and seek to remove acts and structures of prejudice, to facilitate occasions for seeking forgiveness and reconciliation, and to take action toward empowering those who have been marginalized."  (Nazarene Manual, par. 915).
 
The same Spirit that was on Jesus is on us today. The Father loves us.  Without quarreling or crying out, let's bring justice through to victory as we follow Jesus' example.   Thank you for serving so well on the Chicago Central District and for being Christ in Action. You are loved.






Dr. Larry McKain, Superintendent
Chicago Central District
Church of the Nazarene

THEOLOGICAL LEADERSHIP C ONFERENCE

The Olivet Nazarene University Theological Leadership Conference  features a keynote speaker and time devoted to special presentations, breakout discussion groups and conversation. This year's event is September 5-7 and features  speaker  N.T. Wright. The theme is Presence and Promise: The Challenge of the Temple. 

Early bird registration is $79. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at this link

PASTOR BIMBER'S FINAL SUNDAY 

Sunday, April 28th was the final Sunday for Pastor Jerry Bimber at the Lombard Church of the Nazarene. The congregation recognized his 25 years in ministry with a beautiful service filled with stories of the impact Pastor Jerry has had on the Lombard church and witnessing those who have become a part of the family of believers through his influence. 

We wish him God's best as he transitions to a new position with Reach a Village. Please be in prayer for the Bimber's and also for the Lombard church as they transition.


ORGANIC OUTREACH FOR CHURCHES

Come join other leaders from local churches at the Organic Outreach Training on Thursday, May 30 from 9 - 3 at the Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church. Together, we'll join hearts and minds for a day of inspiration, fun, collaboration and practical insights. Organic Outreach for Churches Training provides direction for congregations to weave the gospel-focused passion and practice into the very DNA of church life. Organic outreach happens when evangelistic vision and action become the domain of every ministry in a church and the commitment of every person in a congregation.

Registration can be completed here. Any Nazarenes wanting to attend can enter the code NAZ for a $20 discount. Contact  info@organicoutreach.org for more information.


UPCOMING DATES

Mark your calendar!
  • Saturday, May 4 | Children's Bible Quiz, Kankakee First
  • Saturday, May 11 | Olivet Commencement 
  • Saturday, June 8 | Regional Children's Bible Quiz, ONU
  • June 17 - 21 | High School Camp, Indian Lake Nazarene Camp
  • June 24 - 28 | Middle School Camp, Indian Lake Nazarene Camp
  • July 11 - 14 | Kids Camp, ONU
  • July 20 - 25 | Everyone Cares Camp, Dickson Valley Campground
  • Saturday, November 2 | Cultivate at Kankakee First
  • Saturday, November 16 | Children's Bible Quiz, Location TBA
  • Saturday, January 4, 2020 | South/Southwest Mission Area Leader Breakfast
  • Saturday, January 18, 2020 | North/Northwest Mission Area Leader Breakfast
  • Saturday, January 25, 2020 | Central Mission Area Leader Breakfast
  • Saturday, February 8, 2020 | Southern Mission Area Leader Breakfast
  • Saturday, February 22, 2020 | Chicago Mission Area Leader Breakfast 
  • Saturday, February 22, 2020 | Children's Bible Quiz, Manteno
  • Saturday, March 7, 2020 | Children's Bible Quiz, Kankakee First
  • Saturday, April 4, 2020 | Children's Bible Quiz, Kankakee Westbrook 
  • April 17 - 18, 2020 | District Assembly
PRAYER REQUESTS AND CELEBRATIONS

Update from the Marklund family: Thank you for your prayers for Sammy. Surgery went faster than expected, only 4 hours and went really well. The surgeon was really pleased. Sam's hands and feet are pink for the first time!

Please continue to pray for Robyn Luttrell, especially for guidance in treatment for ongoing seizures.

We would love to hear any prayer requests or celebrations from our district pastors to include in our weekly communications. Please email us so we can lift each other up!
UPCOMING LEADERSHIP COMMUNITY EVENTS
   
May
Mon, May 13 - Joliet Crystal Lawns   6:30 - 8:15 pm
 
 
June
 
 
July
 
 
August
 
 
September
Mon, Sept 9 - Joliet Crystal Lawns   6:30 - 8:15 pm
Sun., Sept. 15 - Oak Lawn First - 6:00 - 8:00 pm
 
 
October
 
 
 
November
Sun., Nov. 3 - Oak Lawn First  6:00 - 8:00 pm
Mon, Nov 11 - Joliet Crystal Lawns   6:30 - 8:15 pm
 
 
December


Please send us dates for your upcoming 2019 Leadership Community gatherings - we would like to promote those in our newsletter! 


If there is any way we can serve you better, please let us know!