March 9, 2022
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
April 6 - Legislation and Historical documents due (email to ACdocuments@umcnic.org)
May 24 - Clergy Session
June 1 & 2 - Pre-Conference Briefings
June 8 - Annual Conference session opens with Memorial Service at 1:30 pm
June 8 - Legislative Sections at 7 pm
June 9 - Retirement Service at 8:45 am
June 10 - Ordination Service at 1:30 pm
United Methodists Stand with 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.

Bishop's Appeal
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, but in the meantime, you are encouraged to give to your local church and designate "Ukraine Assistance."
Still Time to Register for Vital Partnership Workshop
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
Communicator's Corner
Reminder: Daylight Savings Time begins Sunday, March 13 at 2 am.

United Methodist Women Changes Name
United Methodist Women in now United Women in Faith. The move is part of a refresh of the organization that includes a new logo and website. The changes introduce an array of new and improved programs to nurture current members while welcoming new women to join in putting their love into action on behalf of women, children, and youth. NIC UMW leadership says they will slowly roll out the new branding and encourages members to read more in the latest Response magazine (which is free for everyone this month) and watch umwnic.org for updates.

NIC General and Jurisdictional Delegation Holds Open Forum -March 12
Following news the General Conference is further postponed to 2024, the NIC Delegation has released a video report about how they've been preparing and praying the last two years. Watch here. The delegation also invites you
to an Open Forum on Saturday, March 12 at 10 am on Zoom, where you can share your thoughts and ask us questions. Click here to register and receive the link to join.

Nominations Seeking to Fill Board of Trustees Committee
Have you enjoyed volunteering with the Appalachian Service Project (ASP) but want to serve closer to home? Are you a home inspector? Realtor? Construction worker? Insurance broker? Project manager? Please consider offering your time and gifts to the NIC Board of Trustees. Three people will be completing their terms of service and special consideration will be given to laywomen. 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.

Town and Rural Grant Applications Open
It's grant application season again for the Keagy/Town and Rural Committee. If you are a small town or rural congregation in need of financial assistance for ministry opportunities, we encourage you to apply for a Keagy/Town and Rural Committee grant. If your ministry is in need of minor funding ($300-$500) be sure to apply to the PACK application. If you have a more expensive ministry in mind ($500-$3,000,) then the Keagy application is the one you need. Applications must be completed online by March 15.

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
  • Prayer Service for Ukraine - (March 11) 7 pm at Urban Village Church - West, 7970 Lake St., River Forest. All are welcome.

  • 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 books on church finances that can be mailed to your church or home address.

Go to igrc.org/umrc to access the online catalog.

Questions, comments? Contact UMRC Director Jill Stone at umrc@igrc.org.
 
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