At her ordination as an elder, the bishop put his hands on her head and charged her to “take authority as an elder to preach the Word of God, to administer the Holy Sacraments and to order the life of the Church; in the name of our Triune God.”

Although there were days she thought she might have fulfilled this better, God’s grace gave her the opportunity to try again. 

"The same God who extends grace to us reminds us to extend grace to others,” she says. "How can you find more moments to extend grace in your everyday life?”  

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Midwest Mission Giving

Midwest Mission reports that since the "Fill the Truck" collection at Annual Conference last month, NIC United Methodists have given the organization 8,743 pounds of in-kind donations! Midwest Mission offers its thanks; these gifts help people around the world.

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Join Creation Care or Inclusion Groups

NIC has established two new committees: Committee on Creation Care and Committee on Inclusion. We are looking for members to be part of these teams, which will lead the conference's ministries in these areas. To volunteer, complete a nomination form. And let others know about these opportunities.

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Is Clergy Self-Care Even Possible? 

Why does it seem impossible for pastors to manage a work-life balance with all the demands they carry? Rev. Carrington Moore, an AME pastor, suggests that in our culture, it may well be impossible. “Simply promoting ... practices of self-care and rest for pastors is not enough,” he says. “[W]e need healing. Healing suggests that we engage in a revolutionary change of values.” 

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Annual Conference Evaluations Are Due Monday

If you attended last month's Annual Conference, please complete an evaluation form. You received a link via email. All responses are read carefully and considered during future planning. The deadline to submit your evaluation is July 14 at 4 p.m.

Religion and Race Learning Kit: 'All God’s Children' 

This six-module online course explores how to recognize the gift of cultural differences in ministry settings and how colorblindness is not a benign framework. Participants will learn through videos, reflection opportunities, quizzes, and other learning activities. They will also receive recommendations for additional resources to support ongoing learning after the course ends. Read more

Guide to Sharing the UMC Vision Statement

When you introduce the new UMC Vision to your congregation, where do you start? ResourceUMC.org provides practical suggestions for church leaders as they use the local church guide. A new, shorter video to support awareness-building efforts is also available on this page; it is a great accompaniment to the local church. Read more

Support Recovery from Guadalupe River Flooding 

Catastrophic flooding of the Guadalupe River near San Antonio, Texas, over the Independence Day weekend has killed more than 100 people (including at least 27 children and staff at a girls’ camp), and over 160 people are believed to be missing, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said on July 8. The result was a historic disaster in Kerr County and other Hill Country communities outside San Antonio.

To assist with recovery, individuals should make donations payable to their church and designate them for UMCOR U.S. Disaster Response, Advance #901670. Churches may submit donations to the Northern Illinois Conference through the process they usually use to remit apportionment payments and mission donations. Find a message from Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey and worship resources here. Read about a nearby UMC church’s ministry with those affected.

Around the Conference

Methodist Liaison Office in Jerusalem update and virtual prayer meetings, second and fourth Wednesdays monthly at noon. Next meeting: July 23. Send an email message to the liaison office for instructions on how to join the online meeting.

Kids Above All Backpack Drive, now until Aug. 20. Donate school supplies and backpacks for children, youth, and young adults. Check the wish list for needed items.

HOME: The Parable of Beatrice and Neal, July 13, 6 p.m., Broadway UMC, Chicago. This musical drama, commissioned for Reconciling Ministries Network's tenth anniversary, will be performed by a diverse choir from Northern Illinois. Ultimately, they will perform it at the RMN Convocation in Madison, WI, on July 25.

Church Property Tax Webinar, July 15, 7 to 8 p.m., online. If your church lends space to other groups (for rent or at no charge), this webinar will teach you how it affects property taxes.

Mission u, Aug. 2, Spanish/Children/English 1-Day at Morgan Park UMC, Chicago. Organized by United Women in Faith, the event is for all people--not only women.

Day of Celebration and Service, Kids Above All, Aug. 6. Two shifts: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and noon to 2:30 p.m. Help assemble backpacks for schoolchildren, celebrate award winners, and attend lunch at noon. Contact Catherine Inserra with questions or to reserve your place.

Safe Sanctuaries® training, Aug. 23, 9 a.m. to noon; Aug. 24, 3 to 6 p.m.; and, in Spanish/en español, Sept. 13, 9 a.m. to noon. Safe Sanctuaries® practices prevent harm to children, youth, and elders at church or church-related activities. All church volunteers should complete the training. The $15 fee covers class instruction and a background check.

"In Rhythm:" NIC Youth Retreat, Sept. 26-28, Lutherdale Camp and Conference Center, Elkhorn, WI. For youth in sixth through twelfth grades. Registration closes Sept. 10.

Around the Connection

Immigration Update: A Webinar On Birthright Citizenship, July 17, 7 p.m. CT, online. Learn the latest on the impact of the Supreme Court decision on birthright citizenship, tactics employed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, travel bans, and travel in general. Live interpretation will be provided in several languages, including Spanish and American Sign Language. Register in advance; space is limited.

Uncharted: Becoming the Church We Need Right Now (Reconciling Ministries Network Convocation), July 24-27, First UMC of Madison, WI.

United Methodist Men National Gathering, July 31 to Aug. 3. Registration deadlines range from July 4 to July 18; visit the fee schedule for more information.

MARCHA (Metodistas Asociados Representando la Causa Hispano Americana) Assembly/Encuentro, Aug. 1-3, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Chicago-Arlington Heights.

Faithful. Fruitful. Financially Wise Stewardship Conference, Aug. 8-9, Pine Lake UMC Camp, Westfield, WI; both in-person and Zoom options. Tailored workshops for both clergy and lay leaders teach how to develop dynamic stewardship practices that sustain vibrant ministry. Wisconsin UM Foundation invites NIC church people to participate. Register here.

Garrett-Evangelical Seminary's Lay Discernment Cohort, fall semester. For lay people who are discerning their call and whether theological education is right for them. Registration deadline: July 15.

Facing The Future 2025, Oct. 7-9 in Los Angeles. The UM General Commission on Religion and Race has organized this time for renewal in order to equip clergy with the tools and encouragement needed for sustainable and dynamic ministry. Through soul-stirring worship, transformative workshops, and healing community, participants will rejoice in the presence of God and the beauty of their call, recenter their hearts, missions, and voices amid complexity, and revive with fresh courage, vision, and strength. Learn more here.

SCD Laity Boot Camp, Oct. 23-25, First UMC, Kenosha, WI. Presented by UMC Discipleship Ministries. Rekindle your passion for making a positive impact in your local church and community. This gathering will provide you with practical ministry tools to enhance your faith journey and foster connections with fellow leaders. Registration deadline: Oct. 16.  

Reminder: The NIC cabinet and bishop observe a weekly sabbath from Thursday evening to Friday noon. During that time, they will refrain from using electronic devices. Barring an emergency, they will not respond to phone calls, emails, or texts.

Planning and Learning Resources for Inviting and Welcoming

Guides for church groups and planning teams that you can borrow from the United Media Resource Center. 

#101106  "Art of Hospitality: A Practical Guide for a Ministry of Radical Welcome," 7 sessions with Yvonne Gentile and Debi Nixon 

#103103  "Connect with Your Neighbors," includes both DVD and PowerPoint sessions with Lovett Weems and Amy Oden 

#106080  "Fear of the Other: No Fear in Love," 5 sessions with William Willimon and Delia Catalina Ramirez 

#123085  "Welcoming Ministry Training Manual and Planning Handbook," 14 sessions on various topics by United Methodist Communications 

The United Media Resource Center has books, DVDs, and more to lend to your church's Christian education, faith formation, and book club ministries. Check their online catalog.

List of resources

Online catalog

Contact the center

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