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Greetings Beloved,
Please join me in welcoming the newest addition to the Illinois Conference Support Staff Team, Stephanie King-Myers. Stephanie has been hired as a temporary part-time "contractor" to support our Conference Communication efforts while we focus on some bigger projects over the coming year, including building a new database, migrating to a new file server, and moving us toward a new web presence. Stephanie will be maintaining our weekly newsletter as part of her role. If there is something you would like advertised, please send her the information at communications@ilucc.org. Below is a brief bio describing some of Stephanie's prior experiences:
Stephanie's path is rooted in creativity, community, and meaningful connection. Originally from Memphis, TN, she moved to Paris at 14 with her French mother, earning her International Baccalaureate diploma at Ecole Active Bilingue. She later made Chicago her home, graduating from DePaul University with a BA in English and Communications. In 2009, she married her partner in life and work, Nick, and that same year launched Bottle & Bottega, transforming her “sipping and painting” idea into a thriving franchise that combined art and community.
By 2014, Stephanie refocused on family and faith, moving to Chicago’s western suburbs, selling her business, and co-founding Myers Family Realty with Nick. In 2017, she embraced a part-time role as Communications Manager at The First Congregational Church of Western Springs, where she helped revitalize the church’s brand identity and strategy, blending storytelling with strategic design to celebrate the church’s heritage and modern vision. When she's not managing communications, she’s the lead vocalist in the church’s band.
Now joining the Illinois Conference of the UCC, Stephanie brings her expertise in marketing, digital media, and brand-building to support the organization’s mission on a larger scale. Residing in Western Springs with Nick and their four beautiful children, Stephanie is committed to using her talents to foster connection and uplift the communities she serves.
Blessings,
The Rev. Dr. Terrill N. Murff
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Christmas Fund Worship Resources
The Pension Boards of the UCC offers Christmas Fund worship resources with liturgy for the four Sundays of Advent and Christmas Eve. It includes bulletin inserts, creative spiritual exercises, and a sermon that is available as both a recorded video or written text for the Sunday after Christmas.
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Abolition Advent Calendar
Join the Movement
The days are surely coming, says the Holy One, when I will fulfill the promise I made to…execute justice and righteousness in the land. – Jeremiah 33:14-15
This coming Advent, Join the Movement will be offering our third annual Abolition Advent Calendar, featuring reflections offered in daily emails and social media posts throughout the season. This year, our theme is “The Days Are Surely Coming: Reducing Harm, Preparing the Way.” As we await and prepare for the birth of transformational Love in flesh and bone, we invite you to make this Advent journey with us, grounding ourselves in the hope that the freedom-bringing work of harm reduction can prepare the way for a new day of love and justice that is surely coming. Sign up to receive daily emails in Advent here.
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2025 Camps and Retreats:
Registration opens December 1, 2024
Explore an exciting array of camps and retreats offered at Tower Hill Camp & Retreat Center and Pilgrim Park Camp & Conference Center, with options to suit every age and interest. Whether you're looking for spiritual growth, environmental action, creative crafting, or intergenerational bonding, there’s something special waiting for you!
Come, renew, step out of the everyday ordinary and into the sacred!
Register online at Outdoor Ministries Registration.
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PLEASE NOTE: The deadline to apply for the UCC Board is November 30th. | |
Blessing of the Chaplain's Home
Elmhurst University
You are invited to join in celebrating and Blessing the Chaplain’s Home at Elmhurst University on Sunday, December 15th from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. (255 Elm Park Ave, Elmhurst, Illinois). Join as we remember and tell stories and share in a liturgy of closing to return the residence to the University for future uses. There will be a reception with prayers and lighting of candles, giving thanks for all that this home has represented, and all the lives that have been touched, giving hope and perspective along the journey. The Interfaith House of the University. What we have created for all.
Please join me in giving hope and thanks for what has been, and what will be. At 4:45pm we will begin the Service of Blessings. Joining us to lead the Blessing will be the Rev. Dr. Brad Braxton of Chicago Theological Seminary, and Dr. Kenneth Guest, Chair of the Trustees for the World Student Christian Federation. Please RSVP to Rev. H Scott Matheney to help us prepare the afternoon reception. With grace and love for all that you and so many have given, and for the life of this home, a place where all are welcomed, to think, to grow, to become…for this and all, we give thanks.
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Our Whole Lives Training
at Tower Hill
April 4th–6th
Tower Hill Camp & Retreat Center
12173 Tower Hill Road, Sawyer, MI
Trainers Christina Fairman and Craig VanKempen will provide training for adults who want to offer the Junior/Senior High OWL program at their church and in their communities. Register here.
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UCC Webinar:
Reclaiming Our Democracy
December 11th, 1:00 p.m. EST
In his book "Reclaiming Our Democracy: Every Citizen’s Guide to Transformational Advocacy," Sam Daley-Harris writes about people who have successfully brought about social change and become changed themselves in the process. Join us for this webinar as Daley-Harris shares his stories and wisdom gained from years of leading and coaching advocacy organizations. Register now!
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Organizing Seminar: Organizing for Peace in the Time of War
With Eden Seminary's Center for Lived Faith and Organizing
How do we organize in a time of war? What theological guidance do we need in the time of war. In this workshop we ground ourselves in theologies of peace, these are not theologies that encourage us to hide or escape. These are theologies that guide us in deepening relationships across cultures and contexts. We will then explore these theologies as we reflect on organized responses to genocide and war in Gaza, Myanmar, Haiti, and Ukraine. Learn more.
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A Fresh Twist on Boundary Awareness Training
This Boundary Awareness Training allows authorized ministers in the United Church of Christ to fulfill their periodic training via a contemplative approach to the self-awareness needed to uphold healthy boundaries in ministerial practice. We will learn two contemplative practices which help us sustain our ministries over time, as well as engage content via case studies, large and small group discussion. Topics covered:
- Interpersonal Relating
- Financial Boundaries and Best Practices
- Congregational Leave-Taking
- Social Media Presence
- Case Studies
- Reflection on the UCC Ordained Ministers Code
Date: December 3, 2024, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM CST
Cost: $85
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Lux Cantorum Winter Concerts
Lux Cantorum Chicago is redefining the sacred music experience. Next month, we will present “Glory!,” honoring togetherness and universal aspirations for peace, love, and hope. Dr. Wilbert O. Watkins, Conductor.
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Dec. 6 at 7:30 p.m. - Fourth Presbyterian Church, 126 E. Chestnut St, Chicago
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Dec. 8 at 4:00 p.m. - St. Peter/Paul Lutheran Church, 250 Woodside Rd, Riverside
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Dec. 14 at 7:30 p.m. - Pilgrim Congregational Church, 460 Lake St, Oak Park
Learn more and buy tickets here.
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Cool Congregations Challenge
The Cool Congregations Challenge, is an annual national contest to recognize “Cool Congregations” that are becoming energy efficient and sustainable role models within their communities. The contest is brought to you by Interfaith Power & Light, a nonprofit organization inspiring and mobilizing people of faith and conscience to take bold and just action on climate. There are no fees to enter. Application period opens November 1st. Deadline for entries is December 15. Projects completed in 2022, 2023, and 2024 will be eligible to apply. Awards will be announced in February 2025. Get ready to enter the Challenge! Learn more and enter here.
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Conference/Local Church News & Events | |
Computer Ministry
First Congregational Church, Glen Ellyn
Do you have a laptop, desktop, Flat-panel monitor, keyboards, computer mice that you are no longer using? Help the Computer Ministry of First Congregational Church of Glen Ellyn (FCCGE) transform lives. In the hands of the Computer Ministry of FCCGE, they are not just devices. They are gateways to opportunity and hope. Click here to learn more and find out how to donate or volunteer to help.
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Boundary and Anti-Racism Trainings
The deadline for all authorized ministers to get up to date on the required Boundary Awareness Training is December 31, 2024. If you have not received boundary training since before 2022, you are required to complete a training by the end of this year in order to remain in good standing. Click here to access the full list of available offerings. If you have questions about the Boundary Awareness requirement, please contact the chair of your Association's Committee on Ministry.
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Does your church have news to share or an upcoming event you would like to advertise? Email us the information and any accompanying graphics/flyers. | |
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Ordinations, Installations, and Ecclesiastical Councils
Nov 23: Service of Ordination & Installation for Terri Smith. 11:00 a.m. at Lake Fork UCC in Atwood. Eastern Association.
Dec. 8: Service of Ordination for Tyler Yost. 5:00 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Evanston. Chicago Metropolitan Association.
Meetings and Events
Nov. 25: Fox Valley Council Meeting, 6:30 p.m. via Zoom.
Nov. 27: Eastern Council Meeting, 6:30 p.m. via Zoom.
Dec. 2: Stewardship Committee Meeting, 6:00 p.m. via Zoom.
Dec. 5: Prairie Association Committee on Ministry Meeting, 9:00 a.m. via Zoom.
Dec. 7: Conference Council Meeting, 9:00 a.m. via Zoom.
Dec. 10: LEEAP Committee Meeting. 6:00 p.m. via Zoom.
Dec. 11: Outdoor Ministries Committee Meeting, 9:30 a.m. via Zoom.
Dec. 12: Fox Valley Association Committee on Ministry Meeting, 9:00 a.m. via Zoom.
Dec. 12: Chicago Metropolitan Association Committee on Ministry Meeting, 12:00 p.m. via Zoom.
Dec. 15: WA Council Meeting, 3:30 p.m. via Zoom.
Dec. 17: FAB Meeting, 9:00 am via Zoom.
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Disciples Overseas Ministries/Global Ministries is seeking to fill the following positions with qualified professionals:
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Please let us know if you have a job opening you would like to share,
and also update us once the position is filled. Contact Sarah Lohrbach.
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Contact Us
Mon-Fri 8:30 - 4:30
708-344-4470
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You are receiving this message because you are listed on our Conference email list, one of our leadership/committee email lists, or because you previously subscribed to receive our e-newsletters.
This communication is made possible by your contributions to
Our Church's Wider Mission (OCWM)
FAITHFUL FRIDAYS is published by the Illinois Conference of the United Church of Christ, 1840 Westchester Blvd, Suite 200, Westchester, IL 60154. The Rev. Dr. Terrill Murff, Acting Conference Minister; the Rev. Sarah Lohrbach, Editor. Copy may be sent to: SarahLohrbach@ilucc.org or communications@ilucc.org.
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