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News and social media outlets are reporting an increase of white Christian nationalist rhetoric, some of it calling for mass deportations. This has provoked bullying against our clergy who are serving in cross-racial appointments.
"The increase in race-based taunting at schools, some people telling our clergy who are here lawfully to go home, harm done to parsonage property, and the backdrop of racist rhetoric impacts all of us, particularly persons of color and especially children," Bishop Dan Schwerin says.
The bishop asked church Staff-Parish Relations Committees and lay leadership more broadly to develop a plan for supporting and protecting our clergy and clergy families as this rhetoric increases anxiety.
"With multiracial leadership, The United Methodist Church is particularly ready to lead evangelically for our time," the bishop affirms. "We are blessed to be in mission with Christ for the transformation of the world in these days."
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What NOT to Do for Hurricane Relief
In addition to prayer and financial donations, disaster response groups are asking for cleaning kits and certain others shipped by groups like Midwest Mission. Any item—or volunteer—they did not explicitly request becomes a burden and is wasted. Midwest Mission has several drop-off sites; see link below. Contact them to learn what they need. (Mike DuBose/UMNS photo)
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Celebrate NIC's Hispanic/Latinx Ministry
Enjoy music, worship, and food at the Hispanic/Latinx Ministry Celebration on Oct. 19 at Franklin Park UMC. Adoración/worship: 10 a.m. to noon; seguido de almuerzo y música/followed by lunch and music. Includes a Hispanic/Latinx Art and Culture presentation from NIC's Anti-Racism Task Force.
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Is the UMC Involved in Politics?
Methodists have advocated for social policy since the movement's early days, calling for the abolition of slavery, the organization of labor unions to protect workers, and more. Learn how UMs may bring their faith commitments into the voting booth and support policy to make a more compassionate world.
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Apply for a Grant for Your Church
Social Reform Grants: For churches with a passion and a plan for addressing a social justice-related concern. Apply by Oct. 30.
Creative Ministry Grants: For creative, collaborative ministry programs at churches. Apply by Oct. 30.
Church and Society Grants: The UM Board of Church and Society awards grants to UMC congregations and groups for ministries in the categories of Peace with Justice, the Ethnic Local Church, and Human Relations Day. Apply by Oct. 31.
NJC Grant: The North Central Jurisdiction’s mission grants assist emerging ministries that would benefit the jurisdiction. For example, a Native American Course of Study would benefit all conferences in the jurisdiction. Apply by Nov. 15.
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In Case You Missed It . . .
Open enrollment for clergy and lay staff on the NIC health insurance plan begins Oct. 30.
Halloween safety: How to avoid accidents and keep visitors safe during holiday activities.
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NIC People News
Rev. Harriette Cross received the Randy Vaughn Founders’ Award from the Wilmington Coalition for a Healthy Community.
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Helpful Guidance for Church Finance Committees
Church committees on finance must perform an annual audit of financial records and report to the annual charge conference. The UM General Council on Finance and Administration has a Local Church Audit Guide to walk committees through the process. Download it here. Also, scroll down to "Finance" on this resource page to find tips, best practices for finance committees, and more.
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Philippines Students Rally to Help Disaster Survivors
In response to recent disasters, Methodist-related Wesleyan University-Philippines organized events to help survivors.
A concert of songs, dance, prayer, and poetry, “For Life’s Sake,” drew almost 600 university personnel and students in July. Concert proceeds benefited survivors of Typhoon Gaemi, known in the Philippines as Super Typhoon Carina. The typhoon had struck earlier that month.
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The Manila Area disaster management office, supported by the UM Committee on Relief, received $5,315 to help survivors.
Phine Cedillo, Manila Area disaster management coordinator, said the donation represented more than simple assistance.
“It’s a decisive step toward a collaborative and coordinated response,” he said. “This support is a shining example of how individual action can inspire collective impact. You turned your melodies into meaningful action, bringing hope and healing to those affected.”
The recent fundraiser was one of several hosted by the university this year.
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Photo from Wesleyan University-Philippines, College of Allied Medical Sciences
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Around the Conference
Methodist Liaison Office update and virtual prayer meetings, second and fourth Wednesdays monthly at noon. Next meetings: Oct. 23; Nov. 13 and 27. Send an email message to the liaison office for instructions on how to join the online meeting.
Skills for Disagreeing Better, Oct. 17, 7 to 8:30 p.m. This webinar will teach participants how to learn the values and concerns of those with differing political views and to practice essential skills for communicating across differences. NIC's Anti-Racism Task Force and Braver Angels organized this event.
Hispanic/Latinx Celebration, Oct. 19, 10 a.m. to noon, Franklin Park UMC.
Stewardship and Budgeting Training, Oct. 19, 9 to 11 a.m., Oregon UMC, 200 S. Fourth St., Oregon; and Oct. 20, 3 to 5 p.m., Hartzell Memorial UMC, 23330 S. King Dr., Chicago. Register now.
Benefits Lunch & Learn: Clergy Benefits and Open Enrollment, Oct. 23, 11:30 a.m., online.
NIC UWFaith Annual Celebration, Oct. 26, First UMC, Arlington Heights.
Benefits Lunch & Learn: Getting Ready for Tax Season, Nov. 20, 11:30 a.m., online.
Around the Connection
Clergy Appreciation Month, October.
Laity Sunday, Oct. 20.
All Saints' Sunday, Oct. 27 or Nov. 3.
Native American Heritage Month, November.
National Workshop on Christian Unity, Nov. 18-20, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America offices, 8765 W. Higgins Rd., Chicago. UMs interested in ecumenism are welcome.
United Methodist Student Sunday, Nov. 24.
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Anticipating Advent
Here are some Advent studies for adults.
“All the Good: A Wesleyan Way of Christmas,” DVD series and book; various presenters
“Almost Christmas: A Wesleyan Advent Experience,” DVD series and book; various presenters
“Angels of Christmas: Hearing God’s Voice in Advent,” by Susan Robb; DVD and book study
“Heart That Grew Three Sizes: Finding Faith in the Story of the Grinch,” by Matt Rawle; DVD and book study
“Prepare the Way for the Lord: Advent and the Message of John the Baptist,” by Adam Hamilton; DVD and book study
“Redemption of Scrooge,” by Matt Rawle; DVD and book study
“Light of the World: A Beginner's Guide to Advent,” by Amy Jill-Levine; DVD and book study
“Unlikely Advent: Extraordinary People of the Christmas Story,” by Rachel Billups; DVD and book study
Christmas: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly; An Advent Study for Adults, by Richard Wilke
Let Us Go Now to Bethlehem: Daily Devotions for Advent and Christmas, by Todd Outcalt
The United Media Resource Center has books, DVDs, and more to lend to your church group'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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