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Easter Concert at Alden Nursing Home
Like many churches, the congregation at Bethany of Fox Valley United Methodist Church in Aurora, Illinois prepared several special music pieces for their Easter worship service. Using talent from their congregation, the Easter service featured violins, a cello, hand bells, organ and flutes along with solo and choir voices. But instead of just enjoying this musical celebration in their own sanctuary, the musicians packed up their instruments and music to perform at Aurora's Alden Gardens of Waterford assisted living senior center on Sunday, April 24.
Senior residents gathered in a parlor for the intimate Easter concert. The Chancel Choir sang two praise songs. Two young musicians, Channuri Park and Hanuri Park, played solos on the violin and cello. Congregation members Deb Rogers and Sherry Allen presented uplifting songs of praise on flutes. Church member Colleen Johnson inspired the crowd with a rendition of “My Tribute”. Church music director, John Kwon, accompanied the many groups and felt so blessed to have such an abundance of music for the seniors to hear.
The audience was very appreciative and every so often, the musicians could hear someone humming softly along with “Jesus Christ is Risen Today” or other songs. The smiles and nods from those listening to the music made it clear that memories of past Easter services were being called up during this presentation as new memories were being made.
“The good news is meant to be shared,” noted the Reverend Sam Park, Bethany of Fox Valley United Methodist Church pastor. The opportunity for outreach was a positive experience for both the church members and the senior residents. “We hope to be able to bring them more music in the future,”notes Park. “Music is a powerful mission.”
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Save money and register today for the 2022 Northern Illinois Annual Conference through April 29.
The cost of registration increases from $80 to $95 starting April 30. Registration closes May 29. Please note there will be no on-site registration. *Make sure you have a file copy (.jpg, jpeg, png) of your proof of vaccination card handy to upload during registration, which is required.
Annual Conference will meet in person June 8 - 10 at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center. The AC Committee is diligently working to make this a safe gathering for everyone while continuing to monitor COVID-19 infection rates for the area. For current requirements for AC members to attend, please read the health and safety statement.
Clergy Session will be held May 24 in person at New Lenox UMC starting at 9 am. Click for details. You may register through AC registration.
Laity Session will be held June 8 from 11 am - 12 pm at the Schaumburg Convention Center. You may register through AC registration.
More Info
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The 2022 Northern Illinois Annual Conference Bishop's Appeal special offering will go toward Ukraine assistance. While immediate needs are great, we know the people of Ukraine will need assistance in the long term. For more details on fundraiser ideas and bringing your collective offering to Annual Conference, visit umcnic.org/Bishopsappeal2022.
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T-Shirt Sales
Thanks to Rev. Keck Mowry, First UMC Palatine, for organizing special T-Shirt sales to help fundraising efforts for the Bishop's Appeal and support our brothers and sisters in Ukraine. Click here to order and get more information about placing bulk orders for your church to sell.
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AC Ushers Needed
As we gather in-person this June 8-10 for Annual Conference, ushers will once again be needed to help the event run smoothly. During the daily proceedings ushers often help with distribution of materials. Ushers are also needed to distribute worship programs at the Memorial Service (Wed. 6/8 1:30 pm), Retirement Service (Thurs. 6/9, 8:45 am), and Ordination (Friday, 6/10 1:30 pm). Ushers do not need to be present the entire day, shifts can be arranged. If you are able to volunteer some time, please contact Laura Lopez, LLopez@umcnic.org.
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Apportionment Highlight - World Service Fund
Teaching churches and communities to prepare for disasters, providing immediate humanitarian relief and aiding long-term recovery are important jobs of Global Ministries and UMCOR. This work, said top executive Roland Fernandes, is “accomplished through disaster relief and recovery, risk-reduction programming, addressing the needs and rights of migrants worldwide, improving livelihoods, increasing food security, and promoting environmental sustainability to reduce the impact of climate change.”
Methodism’s focus on health as a part of mission dates back to the 19th and 20th centuries when missionaries expanded the options for health care in underserved communities. Through United Methodist conferences and health boards, Global Ministries strengthens networks of health responses, from revitalization of facilities and staff training to building better water sources, developing sanitation facilities and promoting nutrition. Global Health concentrates on eradicating preventable diseases, such as malaria, HIV and AIDS and COVID-19, and supporting the most vulnerable populations, including mothers, newborns and children.
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The NIC Communications office is pleased to provide the 2022 flyer explaining Apportionments (asignaciones) translated in Spanish thanks to Prairie North District Superintendent Rev. Fabiola Grandon-Mayer. To download the flyer here.
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May Reporter Available Online
The May Reporter is at the printer but available to read online now. In his monthly column, Bishop Hopkins asks after the celebration of the Resurrection of Christ, are you ready to do whatever it takes to be in a love relationship with Jesus? Also, read more about a Chicago church building on a legacy of accessibility. Catch up with two NIC missionaries who returned for a first-time visit that was delayed because of the pandemic and learn more about the #BeUMC campaign. Click to share and read the full issue. Want to read a digital magazine version? Click here.
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Join First UMC of Elgin for a respectful conversation exploring the harm of racism to ourselves and others during this in-person workshop, developed by The Northern Illinois Conference Anti-Racism Task Force. Click here for more information. Download the Flyer. | |
Kids Above All's annual Diaper Drive is back! Donate diapers of all sizes and wipes to help their parents, caregivers, babies, and toddlers have the essentials they need for a happy and healthy start to their lives together. Click here for an Amazon Wish List. To schedule a drop-off time for your donation, contact Manager of Faith & Community Relations, Deaconess Catherine Inserra, at 847- 224-2870, or at cinserra@kidsaboveall.org. Donation Drop off address: 8765 W. Higgins Rd., Suite 450, Chicago, IL 60631. Time: Monday - Friday, 9 am - 4 pm. | |
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Native American Ministries Sunday (May 1) serves to remind United Methodists of the gifts and contributions made by Native Americans to our society and in our communities. With more than 20,000 Native Americans within the denomination, this Special Sunday helps to ensure that Native American United Methodist leaders are recognized and to celebrate their special voice in The United Methodist Church. Click for resources to celebrate and promote this Special Sunday. For more ideas from the NIC Committee on Native American Ministries, click here.
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Breathe Again event sponsored by United Women in Faith Northern Illinois Conference
Did you know that more than 40% of the US is breathing dirty air? We have the power to take action! Join us Tuesday evening, May 3, 7:00-8:30 pm via Zoom to learn more about the issues surrounding air pollution, its public health impact, and to learn how to contact our elected officials and ask them to take action. Anne Mellinger-Birdsong, Medical Education Advisor of Mothers and Others for Clean Air, will be the guest speaker. More information and registration here.
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Churches undergoing a pastoral appointment change should be attending a Transitions Workshop designed to give you a jumpstart on good transitions. It will be a 90-minute Zoom workshop led by Rev. Jim Ozier author of “The Changeover Zone”. Find more information about the workshop here.
*Money paid to NIC Conference Apportionments provides the financial assistance for appointment changes and transition workshops.
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Clergy, Employees May Qualify for Student Loan Forgiveness
Clergy and employees of not-for-profit organizations engaged in faith-based work may benefit from recent changes to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program. Wespath is offering a one-hour webinar on Mon., May 9 at 2:00 pm CST, and again on Wed., May 11 at 12:30 pm CST, to help organizations and their staff understand the PSLF Program and its application process. Learn more at Wespath.org/r/PSLF.
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Communications Learning Week
United Methodist Communication (UMCom) has announced a week-long ecumenical training opportunity launching this spring for anyone in ministry seeking to enhance their communications skills. Communication Learning Week: Taking the Next Step will be held May 9-13, 2022, and is designed with busy schedules in mind. All of the learning week content will be recorded and stored in a learning portal that participants will have access to for six months following the event. Registration opens April 12. Learn more.
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Somewhere Over the Border Special Night Preview Hosted by NIJFON
Join NIJFON on May 13 at 7:30 at the Windy City Playhouse for this very special event. Support their mission to provide free high quality immigration legal services, engage in education and advocacy and create cross cultural communities. Find more information and to purchase tickets, click here.
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Clergy Ministry Review due date is May 24
Each year, it is helpful to church leadership and their clergy/pastors to take time to reflect on their goals and life together in the past year. The evaluation tool seeks to foster opportunities for dialogue, support, and accountability in order to enable growth and ministry for the congregational and pastoral team. It is available on the NIC website on the Clergy Life Forms Page under the heading, CLERGY MINISTRY REVIEW. Like last year, the Clergy Profile information questions are included to help keep the Conference database current and are on the clergy/pastor’s EM360 online form for simplicity. The deadline to complete the evaluation and update the Clergy Profile Sheet is May 24, 2022.
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Resources for the Local Church
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Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (Month of May) - Worship Resources and Prayers
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Native American Ministries Sunday (May 1) - History, Worship Resources, Communications, Children's Resources, Social Media Graphics, Podcasts, Devotions and more. For more ideas from the NIC Committee on Native American Ministries, click here.
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Mother's Day (May 8) - Resources to honor mothers without hurting others.
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Heritage Sunday (May 22) - Resources and information on this year's theme "Splits, Separations and Reconciliations."
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United Voices for Children Sunday (May 29) - Information and videos to share with your congregation.
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Social Media Shareables - Free graphics for social media for different events, months and ministries. (Through Outreach, log in is needed but resources are free)
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UMC Giving Resources - Mission Moments, Special Sunday Info, Leader Kits, Pew Cards and more.
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United Media Resource Center - Lending library of Christian materials for local churches - for small groups, pastors, children and individuals.
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