eNews · February 15, 2024 | |
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Rev. Wendy Hardin Hermann will become superintendent of the Prairie Central District on July 1. She follows Rev. Jeffry Bross, who has been appointed as lead pastor at Libertyville United Methodist Church effective July 1, 2024. Rev. Hardin Hermann has been serving as lead pastor of Trinity UMC in Mt. Prospect since 2017.
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NIC's Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration (which had been postponed due to bad weather) will take place March 3, 3 p.m., at St. Mark UMC in Chicago. Participate in an inspiring worship service with a stirring speaker.
Learn more and register
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Churches with property and casualty insurance through the annual conference will now find it much easier to see their invoices. The requirement to log into the online site twice has been discontinued; there is now just one log in. The process has been streamlined to be less confusing. Churches can now download their certificates of insurance and auto ID cards from the Leadership Portal as well. Watch for announcements of when insurance invoices are available for download. (Churches can expect a 10 percent increase over 2023 rates.)
Learn more
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Do you have a gift for singing? The Annual Conference session music team is organizing a mass choir for the ordination and commissioning service on June 16 in Schaumburg. They’re inviting churches to send four or five members to participate. Encourage your church singers to participate!
Find more information and sign up here
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Grace UMC in Naperville invites people of all ages to an informational meeting on Feb. 25 at 12:30 p.m. to learn about youth summer mission trip opportunities. Learn about Hope@Home, a homebound mission experience in the Chicago area for those in junior high and older, and Side x Side, a week-long away trip for those who have completed eighth grade and older. Friends and neighbors are welcome too!
Learn more
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Who makes decisions for the UMC? What happens at General Conference? How are delegates chosen? Who can propose changes to UM rules and practices? UM Communications offers a helpful guide for those who've wondered about this worldwide gathering and legislative body.
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In Case You Missed It . . . | |
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Volunteer for Conference Ministries. The NIC needs the skills of lay and clergy to help guide program ministries, the administrative functions of the conference, and more. Learn what talents are needed and how to volunteer. Read more.
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Learn More About the Roots of Methodism
“Radicle Methodism: Back to our Roots” is a four-part, in-depth history course for individuals, local congregations, annual conferences, and anyone interested in examining Methodism from its earliest days to the present. Offered by the UM Commission on Archives and History, the resource materials include videos, discussion questions, suggested readings, a leader guide, and more. (The title is not a typo; radicle means the root of a plant embryo.) You may preview “Radicle Methodism” in the introductory video. It is free of charge, thanks to your apportionment remittances. Read more.
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The U.S. State Department has strongly suggested that Americans stay out of Haiti because of violent crime, civil unrest and poor health care infrastructure. But U.S. United Methodists are still in ministry with the people of Haiti. | |
Rev. Jamalyn Peigh Williamson, the pastor of Zionsville UMC in Indiana, lived with her husband from 2003 to 2005 in the Caribbean nation. “I am drawn to Haiti so much because there is a warmth and a hospitality that Haitians just naturally share,” Williamson said. “People we've taken on trips … really feel welcomed and loved.”
The 2010 earthquake put visits on hold, but homebuilding has continued because Haitians are in charge of the construction projects organized by the Zanmi Fondwa, a nonprofit that builds houses for Haitians.
“Our organization is completely run in Haiti by Haitians,” said Buffy Perkins, chief operations officer of Zanmi Fondwa. “We just advise and have oversight of what they're doing.”
Most construction materials for the homes are purchased from Haitian businesses, which helps the businesses and eliminates the difficulties of importing products to Haiti. “It's a win-win for everybody because the vendors are making money also,” Perkins said. [Photo courtesy of Zanmi Fondwa]
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Around the Conference
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Every Wednesday at noon: Weekly Methodist Liaison Office update and virtual prayer meeting. Participants will hear from a Palestinian speaker and meet in small groups for prayer. Methodists and others from around the world participate. Send an email message to the MLO for instructions on how to join the online meeting.
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NI Justice for Our Neighbors Webinar, Feb. 15, 2 p.m. The rights of migrants seeking safety in the US is threatened by a Senate bill that would close the southern border, enact more severe expedited removal without due judicial process, and increase surveillance and criminalization of individuals. Learn what you can do.
Around the Connection
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More DVD Studies for Adult Groups
Some more DVDs that can prompt engaging conversation among adult learning groups:
- “6 Things We Should Know about God," a six-session study with Tom Berlin
- “Luke: Jesus and the Outsiders, Outcasts, and Outlaws,” a six-session study with Adam Hamilton
- “Make a Difference: Following Your Passion and Finding Your Place to Serve,” a six-session study with James Harnish
- “Unshakable Hope: Building Our Lives on the Promises of God,” a 12-session study with Max Lucado
List of more selected resources
Find the online catalog here.
To contact the center, send them an email message.
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