Online Prayer Service for Ukraine |
|
United Methodists across the globe condemn the Russian invasion of Ukraine and stand in solidarity with those experiencing violence, displacement and suffering in the midst of war. Learn more about the ways United Methodist prayers, aid and witness are being directed to Ukraine.
The NIC Discipleship Task Force is hosting an hour-long (ZOOM) prayer service in response to the war in Ukraine.
Date: Wednesday, March 23 from 5 - 6 pm.
We hope you can join us as we pray for the people of Ukraine and an end to the violence. Please register to receive a Zoom link.
|
|
2022 Bishop's Appeal for Ukraine Assistance |
|
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. Stay tuned for more details on bringing your collective offering to Annual Conference, but in the meantime, you are encouraged to give to your local church and designate "Ukraine Assistance." |
|
Prayers for United Methodists in Ukraine
This week, NIC Secretary of Global Ministries Rev. Shirley Pulgar-Hughes connected via Zoom with Rev. Oleg Starodubets, District Superintendent of Central Asia UMC of Ukraine, and his wife Rev. Dr. Yulia Starodubets, ordained UMC pastor and medical doctor, to hear of their current situation and needs amid the perils of this war. She was joined by NIC's Rev. Arlene Christopherson, Director of Connectional Ministries, and Rev. Martin Lee, Dir. of Congregational Development and Redevelopment. In 2015, Rev. Lee visited the region and built a special connection with the Ukrainian couple as they were planting a church. They're extremely thankful for the prayers and support.
|
|
Speaker Series: Race, America, and the Church |
|
The Northern Illinois Conference, in partnership with the Indiana Conference and other groups, is pleased to announce a 2022 Speaker Series.
During this 4-part series that extends into December and includes a 6-week book study in the fall, we will journey together to prayerfully learn, engage, and tackle our personal and corporate role in addressing racism. We invite you to journey with us.
The first event will be held March 24.
Thursday, March 24, 2022, 12 -1:30 pm
via Zoom
Speakers: Tim Alexander, Sandy Harlan, Dr. Betty Hart, and Rev. Dr. Michelle Oberwise Lacock
|
|
Annual Conference Registration Opens April 4 |
|
The 2022 Northern Illinois Annual Conference will meet in person June 8 - 10 at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center. The Annual Conference Committee has been diligently working to make this a safe gathering for everyone while monitoring COVID-19 infection rates for the area. For current requirements for AC members to attend, please read the health and safety statement.
Important Dates:
April 4 - Online registration opens
May 24 - Clergy Session
June 1 & 2 - Pre-Conference Briefings
June 8 - Conference check-in 12 pm
June 8 - Annual Conference session opens with Memorial Service at 1:30 pm
June 8 - Legislative Sections at 7 pm
June 8 & 9 - On-site Blueprint for Wellness screenings 7 - 10 am
June 9 - Retirement Service at 8:45 am
June 10 - Ordination Service at 1:30 pm
The worship services and plenary sessions will be livestreamed on the NIC YouTube Channel for guests and observers. |
|
Communicator's Corner
Uplifting Young Methodists Scholarship
For many students, continuing education beyond high school is a challenging decision due to financial circumstances. The United Methodist Foundation wants to empower students to continue their education by providing financial assistance. This scholarship is designed to assist minority United Methodist students to attend a trade school, community college, college, or university. Applications are due April 30. Vist umfnic.org/uplift for more information and to apply.
Nominations Seeking to Fill Committees
Do you have a heart for hospitality? Is advocacy your ministry? Are you a professional social worker or occupational therapist? If so, the NIC Committee on Accessibility Ministries needs you! The committee supports congregations in becoming more accessible by working to eliminate physical and mental health barriers to ministry participation. The NIC Nominations Committee has begun its work for the 2022-2023 year and beyond. If you are curious about volunteering for this committee or any other ministry area, please find more information and the interest form on the NIC's Committee Volunteers webpage.
Early-bird Discount for Five-Day Academy Retreat
Registration is open for the Five Day Academy for Spiritual Formation, "Come to the Waters," at the Siena Retreat Center in Racine, WI on Lake Michigan from Oct. 2 - 7, 2022, sponsored by the NIC Spiritual Formation Committee. The cost is $625 per person if you register before March 20, 2022. This includes tuition, private room and bath, and all meals. Registration cost after that date is $700 per person. Click here for details and registration. Download the brochure.
Summer Internship Application Deadline Extended
Those interested in the Ethnic Young Adult Internship 2022 program now have until March 20 to submit applications. The eight-week program offers students of color experience working in Washington with Church and Society and partner organizations for social advocacy and justice. This year’s program is scheduled for June 5 through July 30. Click to apply.
|
|
Mark your calendar
Around the Conference
|
|
-
Harmony For Hunger Concert - (Mar. 18) 6:30 - 9 pm. Hosted by the Prairie North District UMM at Hononegah High School Performing Arts Center, 307 Salem Street, Rockton, IL. Cost $15. 100% of the proceeds will go toward area food pantries and the Society of St. Andrew's meals for millions. Click here for details.
Around the Connection
-
UMCOR Sunday - (March 27) Giving to this Special Sunday offering allows us to make a difference in the lives of communities and individuals whose lives have been upset by storms, wars, fires, displacement and climate change. This offering underwrites UMCOR’s “costs of doing business,” allowing UMCOR to keep the promise that 100% of any gift to a specific UMCOR project will go toward that project, not administrative costs. Click here for resources.
|
|
United Media Resource Center |
|
Click here for Abingdon Press DVD studies that can be mailed to your church or home address.
|
|
*Please note an unsubscribe from this eNews will remove you from all notices from the Conference, including messages from the Bishop, appointments and sympathy announcements. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
