Pastoral renewal leave is not simply a long vacation. It is intentional time set aside to reconnect with God, renew one's calling, and return to ministry with fresh spiritual, emotional, and intellectual strength, says Rev. Matthew Smith, pastor of Cedarville and Warren UMCs. | |
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"Again and again, the Gospels tell us that Jesus went away to lonely places to pray, to rest, and to be with his father," Rev. Smith says. "Renewal leave recognizes this biblical rhythm. It is a time to remember that before pastors are preachers, administrators, counselors, or leaders, they are first disciples of Jesus Christ." More
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Justice, Joy, and Community in Worship
"Sometimes, worship reminds us that the church is far larger, more diverse, and more beautiful than the communities we know best," says Rev. Tercio Junker, pastor of Friendship UMC in Bolingbrook and director of liturgy and music at the World Methodist Council conference, Aug. 13-17 in El Salvador. He describes how worship expresses justice, joy, and community. More
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Love Your Neighbor Events and Actions
NIC churches have planned Faithful Action: Love Your Neighbor activities on Sept. 13 to advocate for just policies toward immigrants, including abolishing family separations and detentions and providing housing, health care, and education. Actions include worship services, marches, ecumenical gatherings, story walks, posting yard signs, and others. Your church can still plan an event. More
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Disability Education Summit, Sept. 26
Learn good practices for ministry alongside people with disabilities at the Disability Education Summit, Sept. 26, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Bethany of Fox Valley UMC, Aurora. Workshops will address creating a worship space for all, neurodiversity ethics, advocacy on the go, empowerment beyond spectatorship, technological advancements in accessibility, and others. More
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Executive Assistant Position Open
The NIC is seeking an executive administrative assistant. The person in this role will provide comprehensive administrative and executive support to the bishop and assistant to the bishop, including managing complex scheduling, communications, travel, events, financial processes, and special projects. Application deadline is Sept. 21. More
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Your Opinion Wanted on UMC Message
As part of a multi-phase brand messaging initiative, UM Communications is asking leaders, clergy, and members across the connection to shape a message that reflects who we are as a denomination and who we're becoming. Take this survey about faith, community, and what makes the UMC unique. Last day to respond is Sept. 4. More
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In Case You Missed It
UM Men Spiritual Congress takes place Sept. 11-13 at Conference Point Center, Williams Bay, Wis.
NIC Youth Fall Retreat, Sept. 25-27: Youth can look forward to modern worship, teaching sessions, small-group discussions, devotional time, campfires, and recreation at Camp Timber-Lee in East Troy, Wis.
School of Leadership Subsidy for Clergy: Rev. Dr. Kenda Creasy Dean, co-founder of Ministry Incubators, will lead sessions on innovation in ministry at the School of Leadership, Sept. 29-Oct. 1, at Green Lake Conference Center, Wis. A $100 subsidy toward each NIC clergy member's registration is available.
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Canva Tutorials for Bulletins, Newsletters, and More
UM Communications offers free tutorials on Canva, an online tool for newsletters, bulletins, posters, and more. Whether you're new to Canva and need help setting up an account or are looking for instructions for a specific project, we've got you covered. This series presents sessions on account setup and creating some of the content most commonly needed and produced by churches and ministries. More
Empowering the Next Generation of Leaders
What does it take to prepare the next generation of Christian leaders? Applying insights from several ministry leaders, Elizabeth Tamez Méndez explores how churches can engage with Gen Z leaders. She shares five frameworks—prioritizing relationships, fostering mutual learning, fostering and nurturing allyship; prioritizing emerging leaders’ passions, and supporting entrepreneurial efforts—that can intentionally pave the way for the future of the church. More
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Four United Methodists were among an interfaith delegation of US citizens who were turned back when they tried to cross the border into Israel for a visit with Holy Land Christians.
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Rev. Edward Phillips, retired associate professor at UM-related Candler School of Theology, said the incident “blatantly violates” the three-year-old visa waiver agreement between the US and Israel.
The situation in the West Bank has deteriorated dramatically in recent weeks, as settler militias have stepped up their attacks on Palestinian communities.
“We were tourists, going there to visit holy places, talk with Christians and others about their lives, especially on the West Bank. We wanted to hear their stories and support the Palestinian economy,” Phillips told UM News.
He said that while some members of the group passed through Israeli immigration without problems, border officials strongly questioned others, accusing them of supporting terrorism in Israel. Ultimately, the whole group was denied entry.
While most members of the delegation have returned to the US, Phillips and four others remain in Jordan for now. He said they have “only heard crickets” after reporting their experience to the U.S. embassy. More
Photo: Members of a delegation of U.S. citizens who were denied entry into Israel on Aug. 13 pose for a photo prior to the border incident.
Photo courtesy of Rev. Edward Phillips.
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Around the Conference
United Voices for Children Fifth Sunday Appeal, Aug. 30
UM Men Spiritual Congress, Sept. 11-13, Conference Point Center, Williams Bay, Wis.
Conference-Wide Faithful Action: Love Your Neighbor Day, Sept. 13. NIC churches will step out of their sanctuaries to march, pray, and sing in a large-scale show of support for our immigrant brothers and sisters.
My Omaha screenings, Sept. 14-20. This documentary traces the search for truth and common ground that has been playing out for decades between Omaha’s African Americans and the larger, dominant white community. Organized by Collective Action to Build Community, of which NIC's Committee on Religion and Race is a member.
2027 Budget Information webinar, Sept. 15, 7 to 8 p.m.
Fresh Expressions Greenhouse Day, Sept. 19, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Grace UMC, Rockford. This Prairie North event is available to all NIC lay and clergy. Explore how to cultivate new faith communities alongside existing churches.
Interview with Nick Beaulieu, director of My Omaha film (see above), and Leo Louis II, a community activist, Sept. 20, 3 p.m., online.
Preventing the Most Common Property Insurance Claims webinar, Sept. 22, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Benefits Enrollment webinar, Sept. 23, 11:30 a.m.
United Voices for Children's Raising Our Voices Advocacy and Awards event, Sept. 24, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Grace UMC, Rockford. Focus will be on youth mental health and anti-bullying.
NIC Youth Retreat, Sept. 25-27, Camp Timber-lee, East Troy, Wis. For sixth through twelfth graders.
Safe Sanctuaries® Training, Sept. 26, 9 a.m. to noon, online.
NIC Disability Education Summit, Sept. 26, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Bethany of Fox Valley UMC, Aurora. Accessible worship, workshops, and panel discussion. Free event with optional $10 lunch. Hosted by the NIC Committee on Accessibility.
Charge Conference Forms informational webinar, Sept. 29, 7 to
8 p.m.
School of Leadership, Sept. 29-Oct. 1, Green Lake, Wis. Learn from Rev. Dr. Kenda Creasy Dean about innovation in ministry. NIC clergy are eligible for a $100 registration subsidy.
“Blessed Are the Peacemakers” ecumenical prayer service, Sept. 30, 6:30 to 8 p.m., Fourth Presbyterian Church,126 E. Chestnut St., Chicago. A peace walk will follow.
Around the Connection
United Methodist Volunteers in Mission Sunday: observe in July or August.
Hispanic Heritage Month, Sept. 15-Oct. 15
World Communion Sunday, Oct. 4
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Explore UMRC Resources #10
The United Media Resource Center has many resources for group and individual study. Here are two DVDs and two books of interest:
“Justice or Just Us? The Biblical Call to Confront Racism," four-session DVD study
“Wesley Prayer Challenge: 21 Days to a Closer Walk with Christ," three-session DVD study
Broken and Blessed: God Changes the World One Person and One Family at a Time, by Jessica LaGrone
The Children’s Minister, by Rita Hays
The United Media Resource Center has books, DVDs, and more to lend to your church's Christian education, faith formation, and book club ministries for children, youth, and adults. Borrow a resource of your own interest as well. Check their online catalog.
List of resources
Online catalog
Contact the center
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