The NIC Discipleship Task Force invites you to prepare for Annual Conference by praying and fasting with them today. Jesus, though in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness (based on Phil. 2:6-7). Let’s empty ourselves in humility in preparation for Annual Conference. (The team will hold their regularly scheduled prayer meeting on June 9 at 10 a.m.)
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Although Naperville: Korean UMC has taken extraordinary steps to end its relationship with the denomination, the NIC is committed to providing continuing pastoral support to those who wish to remain UM and is pursuing an orderly resolution. On May 28, some members barred NIC staff from entering the building when they came to introduce Rev. Sam Park, the appointed interim pastor. Having stopped communicating with the conference, the church halted its disaffiliation process.
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With vacation Bible school and camps just around the corner, churches have been looking for volunteers. Whether you need 10 or 100, it's a challenge to find and retain volunteers without going to the same people every year. What steps can you take to fill those important spots? Here is some advice from Safe Gatherings, one of our risk management resources.
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Important information this week:
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Clergy robing for ordination service takes place Tuesday night. Wear a red stole appropriate to your order. Euphoria (upstairs) will be the robing room; there will be garment racks. Line up for processional promptly at 6:15 p.m.
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Basic agenda is posted. Check it again before you leave for conference, because there may be changes. Check-in on June 6 takes place from 8 to 10:30 a.m.
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A labyrinth for quiet contemplative prayer will be available.
Special Services highlights
- June 6
- 9:00 a.m.: Lay Session
- 10:30 a.m.: Annual Conference session begins
- 7:00 p.m.: Celebration of Ministry
- June 7
- 10:30 a.m.: Retirement Recognition
- 7:00 p.m.: Prayer and Reflections for Peace in Korea (during plenary 6)
- June 8
- 10:30 a.m.: Memorial Service
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It wasn’t until June 19, 1865, that Black Americans in Texas learned of the Emancipation Proclamation, which was announced by President Abraham Lincoln two and half years earlier. Since then, celebrations of the day have spread across the country, and they often include prayer, religious services, educational events, and festivals. UMC agencies provide resources for observations. (NIC offices will be closed on June 19 in honor of the day.)
The latest episode of “The Recap” video series looks at a North Carolina church’s Easter-themed art walk, a flourishing UM movement in Madagascar, and a newly chartered Samoan congregation in Alaska. Produced by UM Communications, “The Recap” presents a broader view of what is going on in the UMC, inspirational stories of ministry and how we UMs are transforming the world. Read more.
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In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, initiatives developed by the UMC aim to offer a positive future to people living with HIV and AIDS. With funding from the UM Board of Global Ministries’ Global Health program, the church supports more than 100 women living with HIV in Bukavu in the Kivu Conference in eastern Congo. [Photo by Phillipe Kituka Lolonga/UMNS]
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Juneteenth, June 19. The NIC offices will be closed.
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Peace with Justice Sunday, June 4 (or at your church's convenience). Donations support three different grants for UM congregations and organizations. Find planning resources here.
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For those who appreciate Max Lucado’s perspective, the UMRC has these and more DVDs available to borrow:
- How Happiness Happens
- In the Footsteps of the Savior: Following Jesus through the Holy Land
- Jesus: The God Who Knows Your Name
- Unshakable Hope: Building Our Lives on the Promises of God
- You Are Never Alone: Trust in the Miracle of God's Presence and Power
- You Were Made for This Moment: How the Story of Esther Inspires Us to Step Up and Stand Out for God
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eNews Next Week
NIL eNews will publish on June 7, 8, and 9 from Annual Conference, devoted to Annual Conference news.
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Please note: Unsubscribing from this eNews list will remove you from all notices from the Northern Illinois Conference, including messages from the bishop, appointment announcements, and sympathy notices. |
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