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More people of Valdosta, GA, can repair their homes after NIC’s early response volunteers removed fallen trees in that area during a Nov. 12-21 work trip. The team cut up trees that damaged homes, blocked roads, and took out power. They even took the initiative to talk with the village zoning office to permit them to post a temporary electric service pole for a woman who lost power due to severe damage to her home.
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Family Fun at Korean Soccer Group
When you live in a new country and work at a stressful vocation, friends and recreation can be lifesavers. NIC’s Korean Caucus found an activity that provides both: Soccer Together. It benefits the physical and spiritual health of the pastors and their families.
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Cabinet Observes Friday Morning Sabbath
Bishop Dan Schwerin and his cabinets have agreed that they will devote Friday mornings (until noon) to reflection and prayer. They will refrain from using electronic devices. Barring an emergency, they will not respond to phone calls, emails, or texts from Thursday evenings until Friday noon. They invite you to join them.
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I Give to Share God's Love
Cate Whitcomb reflects on 30 years of membership at First UMC of Evanston, where themes of faith, community, and mission have guided her family’s giving. Their pledge is a joyful commitment to foster God’s love in the world.
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Cleaner Energy, Smaller Bills
Broadway UMC in Chicago, working with Verde Energy Efficiency Experts, replaced 123 of their light fixtures with LED lights and installed new motion sensors and exit signs. A Commonwealth Edison incentive program covered the $13,000 project. The new lighting may save the church almost $1,500 a year.
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Glenview UMC Sends Firetruck
Glenview UMC, with the village fire department and Midwest Mission, donated a firetruck that the department was ready to retire. The Order of Malta, one of the oldest humanitarian groups in the Western Hemisphere, will use the truck in Guatemala. [Photo from Village of Glenview Facebook page]
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Mission u Is Coming, Jan. 5-19
Led by United Women of Faith, Online Mission u will offer two studies: Welcome Home, focusing on transforming our lives to honor God and our relationships with others; and Missionary Conferences, providing an overview of Red Bird in Appalachia, Alaska, and Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conferences. All are welcome!
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Balancing Concerns for the Houseless
Some churches wrestle with the dilemma of following the biblical call to hospitality and concerns for liability when houseless folks sleep in the churchyard. Find some direction at a webinar on Jan. 9, from 7 to 7:45 p.m. The online meeting link will be posted on the calendar item soon.
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UM Bishops Hopeful for Church's Future
The UM Council of Bishops met Nov. 3-8, their first gathering since last spring's UMC General Conference--where delegates removed restrictions on LGBTQ people's participation in the church's ministries. Bishops hope that these decisions will set up UMs to focus more on their shared mission in Christ than internal disputes.
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Ministry Memo: Financial Safeguards
According to insurance company records, the incidents of embezzlement and theft in religious organizations are rising. Not only are there more cases, but the amount of money being taken is often significant. What can church leaders do to protect finances entrusted to their care? There are many simple, common-sense safeguards. Read more here.
Tercio Junker’s Advent Devotional in Three Languages
NIC’s Rev. Dr. Tercio Junker has prepared "Awaiting the Light: An Advent Journey through Scripture, 2024 Daily Lectionary Devotional," in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. It invites the reader to embark on this journey of preparation and anticipation. Through the discipline of the Daily Lectionary, may our hearts be stirred with hope, our spirits be filled with peace, our lives be marked by joy, and our souls be enveloped in God’s love. Download it here.
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Climate Change's Long-Term Effects on the Vulnerable
“We knew extreme weather would become more frequent and intense and we’re seeing the impacts now more than ever,” said the Rev. Jenny Phillips, director of environmental sustainability for the UM Board of Global Ministries. “We know the most vulnerable among us will suffer the most.” Photographer Mike DuBose took photos of how Philippine people are adjusting their lives around a July flood that is slow to recede. Read the photo essay
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Children must take a homemade raft to and from school in a flooded section of Calumpit, Philippines. [Photo by Mike DuBose] | |  |
The Rev. Ishmael James Bolado rides his motorbike along the flooded road in front of Meysulao UMC in Calumpit, Philippines. [Photo by Mike DuBose] | | |
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Justice Ministry Opportunity for Young Adults
Share this with young adults: Join the movement of young adults who cross boundaries to better understand and respond to injustice. Global missions fellows are young adults, ages 20-30, who are placed in social-justice ministries for two years of service. Fellows form meaningful relationships with their host community as they are mentored by organizations meeting immediate needs and working toward lasting transformation. They receive ongoing training in spiritual and professional development and the program provides ways for the cohort to stay connected across countries and placement sites. Applications are accepted until Jan. 15. Read more
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Around the Conference
Methodist Liaison Office in Jerusalem update and virtual prayer meetings, second and fourth Wednesdays monthly at noon. Next meetings: Nov. 27 and Dec. 11. Send an email message to the liaison office for instructions on how to join the online meeting.
Simbang Gabi (a Philippine custom of anticipating Christmas) services, Dec. 1, 4 p.m., Friendship UMC, Bolingbrook, and Dec. 15, 4 p.m., Good Samaritan UMC, Addison. Organized by NIC's Fellowship of Asian Americans; all are welcome. Make reservations by Nov. 24.
Kids Above All's Holiday Gift Drive, Dec. 2-18. Consider sponsoring a child, donating toys via Amazon and Target registries, making a monetary gift, or volunteering in the Toy Room.
Methodist-Muslim Dinner: Faith Organizations Seeking a Ceasefire, Dec. 4, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., First UMC, Downers Grove. NIC's Jane Eesley is one of the speakers. Open to the first 50 registrants.
Advent Cross-Cultural/Cross-Racial Clergy Gathering, Dec. 9-10, Woodstock Loyola Retreat Center. Theme: "Navigating Troubled Waters: Trauma, Resilience, & Hope in Ministry."
Benefits Lunch & Learn: Clergy Spiritual Health, Dec. 17 (new date), 11:30 a.m., online.
United Voices for Children Fifth Sunday Appeal, Dec. 29.
Around the Connection
Native American Heritage Month, November
United Methodist Student Sunday, Nov. 24
Christmas Day, Dec. 25
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Exploring the Call to Act for Justice and Compassion
Your church groups might appreciate these books to help them think about acts of justice to which they may be called.
Doing Justice: Congregations and Community Organizing, by Dennis Jacobsen
Grace Can Lead Us Home: A Christian Call to End Homelessness, by Kevin Nye
Just Prayer: A Book of Hours for Peacemakers and Justice Seekers, by Alison Benders
Rally: Communal Prayers for Lovers of Jesus and Justice, by Britney Winn Lee
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.
Online catalog
Contact the center
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