The
From the Bishop:
of The United Methodist Church
www.umcnic.org
Taking care of the plumbing
Recently a pastor who moved over a year ago sent an email telling me about the changes that she had made in her church. She said in part: “I discovered that the finance committee did Bishop Sally Dyck not meet regularly…other committees met sporadically and were not well attended…no minutes of meetings were on file…the same few people were serving on several committees. There were no available finance reports…a deceased member who died in 2010 had the finance records at his home…the membership records were not accurate…” The email went on for three full pages, describing the church’s lack of infrastructure and not surprisingly, lack of vitality. These two factors are related—functional infrastructure and church vitality. I responded to the email by saying that in addition to having totally depressed me, I also suspected that there are a number of churches that also lack functional infrastructure. Christian Schwarz who wrote Natural Church Development describes functional structures as forms and structures that fulfill their purpose in providing ministry that is able to keep multiplying or being fruitful through clear lines of decision-making, open communication, and the ability to rather quickly implement ministry. Functional infrastructure isn’t very sexy but it’s essential to ministry like good plumbing is to a household. Some people believe that structures have nothing to do with the spiritual work of a church or its vitality and therefore aren’t important, especially when it seems like the church is in decline. Without functional infrastructure, vitality will suffer because like bad plumbing, things get clogged up in the system of decision-making, communicating and implementing ministry. Schwarz also noted that in making changes that result in healthy churches, making change in functional structures is consistently controversial! The email from the pastor described the resistance and even antagonism that the pastor experienced as she tried as tactfully as possible to institute accepted (and disciplinary) practices in finances, committee structure, and other church governance and organization. I suspect that previous pastors just didn’t want to address these infrastructural issues because of the potential or realized conflict that change would create. I encourage local churches to consider their structures and accepted and disciplinary practices in regards to governance and
finances. If the pastor or another layperson raises questions about the structure and practices of your church, have a conversation about what presently exists and make inquiry as to what is accepted as good ethical standards and/or other ways of having effective meetings and decision-making. There are many resources out there to consider, and your district superintendent can direct you to them or be sure to attend your district leadership events. During our Landscape listening sessions last winter, we heard many concerns related to how the annual conference relates to the local churches. Some of them have to do with the need for a more functional infrastructure in the annual conference. Some people use the word governance to describe how the organization of a body works. Governance means how the system of boards, committees and leadership provides direction, insight and administration of the work of an annual conference along with accountability and freeing up or unleashing people in ministry. As Bishop Robert Schnase says in his book, Seven Levers: Missional Strategies for Conferences, “a successful strategy for better governance won’t solve the decline of the church, the aging of our membership, or any of the other major challenges that threaten our mission. However, the task of leading becomes immeasurably more difficult with governance systems that don’t work well and that aren’t conducive to mission.” (p. 135) Out of the Landscape process, we identified several areas of the governance of our annual conference that could be improved. The ability to equip local churches, provide better customer service, be good stewards of all resources (financial and otherwise), and even encourage good morale, are often the outcomes of good infrastructure because they provide accountability, communication, and organization that helps make good decisions. We will continue to work on providing a better governance, for instance, through our Organizational Task Force and a programmatic staffing plan. There’s nothing worse than bad plumbing! It can seriously spoil a dinner party or warp flooring or bring ceilings down: it can create a disaster when we’re trying to do something more productive and even fun! Likewise, if we don’t keep improving our infrastructure in the local church and annual conference, it can keep us from effective ministry and the joy that it brings to us all!
Northern Illinois Conference of The United Methodist Church 77 W. Washington St. Suite 1820 Chicago, IL 60602
Northern Illinois Conference
DO NOT DELAY. DATED MATERIAL.
REPORTER
October 2016 | Volume 162 | Issue 11
Look Inside . . .
Flood Relief | 2
Taking a Stand| 3
~Bishop Sally Dyck
Welcome the new Chicago Southern DS
Rev. Claude King (left), district superintendency committee member, presents Rev. Jacques Conway (right), a globe as a traditional sign and reminder to lead the district in mission to all the world.
Clergy and laity gathered at Faith UMC in Orland Park on Sept. 18 for the installation of new Chicago Southern District Superintendent Rev. Jacques A. Conway. The service was filled with special music from the St. Mark UMC Inspirational Choir, Rev. Conway’s wife, Dr. LaMenta Conway, and a solo by Dena Beaty. Bishop Sally Dyck introduced Conway followed by a prayer of anointing by the Rev. Dr. Myron McCoy. District leaders presented Conway with the traditional signs of district superintendency including a Bible, hymnal, stole and globe. Several letters of affirmation were read including one from Conway’s predecessor, Bishop Tracy S. Malone who wrote, “What a joy it is for you to be appointed to serve a district that has impacted your faith and life in formative ways. I pray the Lord will bless your leadership and grant you grace and wisdom as you assume your new role.” Indiana Conference Bishop Julius C. Trimble’s mother also shared words of blessings from her son in a letter to Conway and Retired (continued on page 2, see From the Cover: Chicago)
Campers’ Gain | 7
Surpassing the Goal | 7 The Reporter is published monthly by NIC Communications. Postmaster: Send address changes to: NIC, 77 W. Washington St. Suite 1820, Chicago, IL 60062
LOUISIANA:
Churches join hands, look for blessings By Kathy L. Gilbert*
LAFAYETTE, La. (UMNS)—After the deluge came the blessings. Four United Methodist pastors in Lafayette, Louisiana, are standing ready to pour those blessings back into their recovering communities. South Louisiana was hit by 6 trillion gallons of rainwater during Aug. 11-13. “Rain started on Thursday evening, and Friday it kept raining, and Saturday it kept raining, and I started to realize we had a big problem,” said the Rev. Drew Sutton, pastor of First United Methodist Church, Lafayette. “For me, the awareness arose Saturday afternoon when I called a church member whose husband had recently had surgery and I could hear the tears in her voice. She said, ‘Water is in the house and I don’t know what to do.’ I told her I was on my way.” By the time Sutton was able to get to her neighborhood the roads were impassable. The National Guard bringing in boats saved the couple. From the boat, Sutton said, he and others carried the couple through chest-deep water to get them to a family member’s home.
Pooling resources
A small group of pastors and congregation members gathered at Asbury United Methodist Church on Sunday night, Aug. 14, and started making plans to pool their resources. “We just decided to be the church and we went out,” said the Rev. Susan Ferguson, associate pastor of Asbury. The Rev. Ramonalynn Bethley, pastor of Covenant United Methodist Church, deployed 600 flood buckets and sandwiches. The Rev. Robert Johnson, pastor of Louisiana Avenue United Methodist Church — who had an established ministry with the homeless — was out in the poorest areas of the city looking for people in need. Asbury United Methodist Church set up a disaster relief database. “By Monday morning we were ready to deploy not just
to our church members, but to our community,” Ferguson said. “We were out there in the community at the hour of their greatest need. Seeing them face to face, hugging them, praying with them. This was all over our community and we could not have done that if we weren’t working together,” Bethley said.
handed out cleaning supplies and fed us,” said Oliver. “You couldn’t walk in the streets. I have never seen anything like it in my life; it came so fast and so sudden.” Oliver said the low-income complex includes lots of elderly and sick people as well as lots of children. At one point during a tour of his neighborhood, Oliver said, “I think if God was in this community, it would be a much better community.” Smiling, Johnson, replied, “God is here. You just need spiritual guidance to give people hope.”
Leveling the playing field
The Rev. Susan Ferguson (center) prays with Trent Noel (right) and his son, Jay Barnes, while the two men take a break from gutting flood-damaged drywall at the home of Noel’s mother in Lafayette, La. Ferguson is pastor at Asbury United Methodist Church in Lafayette. Photo by Mike DuBose UMNS)
‘Thank heaven for the pastor’
Johnson found a community of low-income people living in a large apartment complex with no food and no help. He forged a friendship with Kevin “Tony” Oliver, the complex’s maintenance man who was the spokesperson for the residents during the crisis. Food tables were set up for the frightened people — many of who are undocumented and afraid to come out of their soaked apartments. “I thank heaven for the pastor who came out and
“That’s what the flood has done, it has leveled the playing field, and we are all in this together. Barriers that separate us are hard to detect in a disaster. We start linking arms. We fall in love with one another as people. I am looking forward to that day when it really shows up in our churches,” Ferguson said. Sutton agreed that “something mysterious” is happening. First United Methodist Church has been reading Romans 5:1-5, Sutton said, because a pastor from New Orleans shared those verses with him in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. Paraphrasing the passage, Sutton said that suffering builds character, which brings help and hope that never disappoints and leads us into love of God. “To be part of that and to see our community enduring and to see the character unfolding by the power of the spirit through events is just really powerful to witness,” he said. “It’s what the church should look like,” said Bethley. “It is what heaven looks like.” *Gilbert is a multimedia news reporter for United Methodist News Service. The Rev. Todd Rossnagel, director of communications strategies for the Louisiana Conference, contributed to this report. Contact Gilbert at (615) 742-5470 or newsdesk@umcom.org.
Northern Illinois Conference Churches Respond The Midwest Mission Distribution Center (MMDC) in Chatham, Ill., sent more than 4,000 cleaning buckets in two semi-loads to UMCOR Sager-Brown in Baldwin, Louisiana in August in response to the catastrophic flooding. The shipments depleted MMDC’s warehouse shelves and a plea for help to replenish their supplies was made.
The Northern Illinois Conference responded and seven churches served as drop-off locations for supplies which included, laundry detergent, household cleaners, sponges and work gloves. MMDC planned to pick up the loads after Sept. 19.
If you would still like to help, monetary donations can be made online at: midwestmissiondc.org/donate or mailed to: MMDC PO Box 56, Chatham, IL 62629.
From the Cover: Chicago
Bishop Sally Dyck introduces the new Chicago Southern District Superintendent, Rev. Jacques Conway, at his installation service on Sept. 18 at Faith UMC in Orland Park.
Bishop Jonathan D. Keaton sent words of affirmation and joy on the selection of Conway as a D.S. An offering was taken to support the Rev. Margaret Ann Williams scholarship for seminarians enrolled at GarrettEvangelical Theological Seminary. Conway delivered his first sermon, both personal and passionate, as D.S. titled “Jesus, We Gotta Talk.” A reception followed the service. Conway was born and raised in Chicago and retired 2 | The Reporter | October 2016
The St. Mark UMC Inspirational Choir was one of three musical guests at the service.
from the Oak Park Police department after 24 years of service. He became a Probationary Deacon in 1996 and an Elder in 1999. He has served several churches in the conference including Greater Englewood in Chicago, Neighborhood UMC in Maywood and St. Matthew UMC in Chicago. Despite his many accomplishments, if you asked Pastor Conway to define his calling, he would simply reply, “…to
do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with my God.” Conway is married to Dr. LaMenta Conway, a physician at Hines VA in Maywood and Elmhurst Hospital. They are the parents of three adult children, Christian, Caleb and Corey.
United Methodists stand with Standing Rock By Doreen Gosmire*
Aztec dancers at Oceti Sakowin Camp, near Cannon Ball, ND. Photo by Dave Stucke, Dakotas UMC.
The camp on the land of the Standing Rock nation was peaceful and hopeful the day after a federal judge issued an opinion rejecting the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe’s efforts to stop construction of the crude oil pipeline that would run from North Dakota to Illinois. Shortly after the judge’s decision was released, the US Army Corps of Engineers, Justice and Interior departments jointly announced they would stop, at least temporarily, pipeline work under Lake Oahe. The government agencies asked the pipeline company to voluntarily halt construction within 20 miles of Lake Oahe while the Army reconsiders the decision to proceed under the National Environmental Policy Act or other federal laws. It was unclear if the pipeline’s developer, Energy Transfer Partners, would perform work on other sections of the pipeline or comply with the government’s request. The company has declined to comment. The judge’s ruling and the statement from the three federal agencies have offered a glimmer of hope for the Standing Rock nation and other supporters. David Archambault II, chairman of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, was quoted in several news outlets as stating a need to continue the efforts at the camps, stand together in solidarity through possible court appeals and monitor the work of the federal agencies as promised in the joint statement. People are beginning preparations to stay in camp until Jan. 1, 2017.
Lakota for “Water is Life.” The DAPL Resistance Camp is a more utilitarian label, while others casually call it the Red Warrior Camp, after a contingent of nonviolent activists bivouacked there. On the hand-drawn map at the entrance security checkpoint, it is referred to simply as North Camp, but around the cooking fires and drum circles, it goes by a different name: Oceti Sakowin.” Translated from Lakota, Oceti Sakowin means the Seven Council Fires, the traditional name of the seven Sioux nations. “The last time this many of those nations stood as one was in 1876 at the Battle of Greasy Grass, otherwise known as the Battle of Little Bighorn, where General George Armstrong Custer and his troops were annihilated,” reported Anderson. The peace pipe that was part of the 1876 Battle of the Little Bighorn was part of a ceremony for peace and forgiveness led by the seven Sioux Nations on Saturday, September 10. Though the fight to protect their land is similar to the fight over the land at Wounded Knee, it is about water for all today. About 400 people walked an estimated four miles from the main camp to the site where bulldozers have moved the earth for the pipeline. Several United Methodists have visited and offered support to the Standing Rock nation.
Many gather
General Board of Church and Society Secretary Susan Henry-Crowe and Assistant General Secretary John Hill arrived Sept. 8, at Standing Rock. The two participated in the protest in Bismarck, ND on the grounds of the North Dakota state capitol on Sept. 9. They also visited the peace camp and were present for the peace pipe ritual during a prayer ceremony at the site where earth has been disrupted for the pipeline. The site is a burial ground where it is reported that remains have been disturbed. They also viewed the welcoming of tribes from the Northwest U.S., who paddled in by canoe and asked to be received on the shores of the Missouri River,
The camp continues to grow each day. Flags of support wave down the main road to the camp. An estimated 250 tribes from around the world have come to share support and unity. There is a presence from Brazil, Peru, Hawaii, Alaska and more, reported Mike Flowers, director at Spirit Lake Ministry Center. The Spirit Lake Ministry is a mission ministry of the Dakotas Conference and The United Methodist church that reaches out to the people of Spirit Lake nation. The camp goes by many names, reports Mark Anderson of the Rapid City Journal. “Mni Wiconi is one,
Global Board of Church and Society visits Standing Rock
and observed the blessing of the camp staff. “There was a collective awe among those who gathered for how many individuals, communities, tribes and nations joined together in solidarity for what is just,” said Susan Henry-Crowe. “We were struck by just how prominent prayer and spiritual practice were during the gathering, and I truly felt the presence of God among all of these protectors and justice-seekers.” Bishop Bruce R. Ough, resident bishop of the DakotasMinnesota Area, traveled to the site of the large camp to make connections and gain understanding. Fr. John Floberg, rector of Episcopal churches St. James, St. Luke’s and Church of the Cross, on the Standing Rock nation, served as the guide for Ough. Ough spent time visiting with various people in the encampment on the day after a federal judge’s decision and the Corp’s announcement.
Bishop Ough delivered a message of hope to those present at the camp.
“It is with intentions of unity, peace and hope that I bring you a message of support from the United Methodist Church,” said Ough. “I lift each of you up in prayer and will continue to do so daily. My hope is that you will not let the spirit of this gathering die. The United Methodists hope to work in a continued relationship to fulfill God’s commandment to be stewards of creation, and maintain loving relationships with all of God’s people.” “I mostly wanted to go and see for myself what is happening, to listen and make connections,” said Ough. “There is no United Methodist presence at Standing Rock.” Ough grew up in northwest North Dakota amidst the oil fields. His father earned his living working for an oil exploration company. Ough attended a Bureau of Indian Affairs school during his junior high years. After graduating from North Dakota State University, He spent two years living and working on the Standing Rock Reservation. “I grew to love the Lakota and Dakota people, their spirituality, and their deep respect for God’s creation and (continued on page 6, see Standing Rock)
The Reporter | October 2016 | 3
Local Church News
Red Oak UMC celebrates 125 years By Marlene Barker
Red Oak United Methodist Church in the DeKalb District held two separate celebrations this summer honoring its 125th anniversary. The rich history of the small country dates back to July 31, 1891 when it was organized in the home of S.E. Crowell. Matthew Meyers, owner of the Meyers Brothers Lumber Yard in Scioto Mills, donated the half acre of land to build the church. The building was to be 26’ x 40’ and ground broke Sept. 19, 1891. Pat Kraft and Bailey Jones ring the 400 pound, original 1891 church bell, before the church’s 2nd celebration on Aug. 21.
Relatives and their families of the Meyers Brothers (Peter & Matthew Meyers) were invited to this summer’s first celebration on July 31, 2016, the exact date of the 125th anniversary, to recognize and remember the church’s history. Seventy-nine people along with five former pastors joined interim pastor Rev. Bettye Mixon for the celebration service. A video of the church’s history and the newly built handicap accessible additions was shown. Our second Anniversary was held on Aug. 21, 2016. We were honored to welcome Bishop Sally Dyck, who preached the sermon and helped dedicate the church’s new additions which include: an accessible fellowship room, bathroom, deck and ramp.
Red Oak UMC recently completed several accessibility projects including a new deck and ramp thanks to the help of an NIC Accessibility Committee grant.
The Rev. Lisa Kruse-Safford, Rockford District Superintendent, gave the opening prayer. We recognized and thanked the Rev. Terry McDorman, NIC Accessibility Ministries Chair, for the committee’s grant funding for our new additions. We also were funded by grant money from The Walmart Foundation, The Red Oak UMC Building Fund and contributions from members and friends of the Red Oak congregation. Our Special Music was from the group Fourth Watch which is comprised of Brett and Marie Raab and their daughter, Rachel from Haughton, Louisiana. Brett is also the nephew of Marshall Raab, a participant in the Red Oak Church congregation. The Cedarville UMC congregation, with which we share the same minister, also attended. Sixty-five people attended this service which was followed by light refreshments. A big thank you to Deininger Floral in Freeport for honoring the Red Oak UM Church with a big and beautiful patio plant for our 125th year celebration.
Past and present ministers who attended the celebration on July 31. From left to right: Pastors Bettye Mixon, Bill Blomberg, Gavin Brandt, Jeff Baer and Jack Stites. Thirty-nine ministers have served Red Oak in the last 125 years.
Red Oak UM Church is at 16961-2900 N Ave., two miles west of Cedarville, Ill. Come join us for Sunday Service 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
CHURCH CELEBRATES:
Harvest and community Fairhaven UMC, in the small, northwest Illinois town of Chadwick, is reaching out to the community in new ways to reach new people. The church celebrated the upcoming harvest season with a weekend filled with activities including, a bonfire, hayrides, s’mores, and other fall activities Aug. 20-21. In place of their regular Sunday worship service, they had a special farmer’s blessing. The blessing is something they provide for farmers twice a year: once before they begin to harvest and once before they begin to plant. The service is held outside and folks bring tractors, pets, seeds, and livestock to be blessed. The Rev. Mary Bohall says the Saturday night bonfire is part of an outreach ministry entirely dreamed, organized, and led by Emily, a teenager from Fairhaven. Twenty-six people came out for the bonfire and 28 for Sunday’s worship, nearly double the normal attendance said Bohall. Fairhaven also hosts a monthly meal for the community that’s 100% free which is well-attended. “These meals typically bring in 20-30 people. Last month we had over 50 come to the meal. Of those 50 who attended, we now have two families attending the church and new kids from the community going to Sunday School,” said Bohall. Fairhaven’s worship attendance has more than doubled since 2014 said Bohall. More than 50% of that increase is from efforts made in the last six months. They’re mission and outreach increase went from roughly $400 each year for the last several years to over $1,000 between May and August.
Observe children’s sabbath this fall - October 21 - 23
Inclusive worship service
The 2016 National Observance of Children’s Sabbath is coming up Oct. 21-23. Children’s Sabbath, sponsored by the Children’s Defense Fund, is an interfaith celebration in which congregations hold special worship services, educational programs, and advocacy activities to engage people of faith in the lives of children and their families.
Faith Evangelical UMC is offering an inclusive worship experience called “Accessible Hearts Worship”. The event will be held on Sunday, Oct. 16, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church, 149 Brush Hill Rd., Elmhurst, Ill.
The theme for this year is: “Children of Promise: Closing Opportunity Gaps” and will focus on closing opportunity gaps due to poverty and lack of access to high-quality early childhood development and a high-quality education so that every child can reach their 4 | The Reporter | October 2016
Fairhaven UMC welcomes the fall season with a weekend of activities for the community including a blessing for the farmers.
God-given potential. You can find resources — which can be used whenever your congregation observes Children’s Sabbath—at: www.childrensdefense. org. Click on “Programs” then click on “Faith Based Action” and then “National Observance of Children’s Sabbath”.
It’s a multi-sensory and support-based experience designed with Special Needs families in mind. People of The following Sunday, Oct. 30, many congre- ALL ages and abilities are welcome! Food will be served from Chick-fil-A. Special Guests include Vinnie Adams gations will participate in United Voices for Children’s Fifth Sunday Appeal to raise finan- Praise Band; Hope Out Loud (hopeoutloud.com) and ELIM Christian Drama Team cial support for our Northern Illinois child(elimcs.org). serving agencies. You can find more info at United Voices for Children’s new website: For more info, please contact the church at www.unitedvoicesforchildren.org. 630-941-0212 or faithelm@gmail.com.
Creative Ministries Grants
Friendship UMC in Bolingbrook will use the creative ministries grant to continue its cultural competence workshops. In April, nearly 20 members attended the first workshop to learn about practical, skill building lessons to aid in developing cultural awareness and sensitivity. Organizers said they worked on case studies (real life scenarios) and realized how differently the situation can be interpreted based on the cultural differences.
The Northern Illinois Conference Program Council was pleased to award 11 churches and programs creative ministries grants totaling $30,750 in 2016. The money will help these programs which included, summer camps, cooking classes, cultural awareness workshops, food pantries and a prison outreach, either get started or continue to reach more people in the community. A special reception was held Sept. 10 at First UMC Elgin to celebrate these ministries. Recipients shared stories of how the grants are changing lives. We give thanks to each of them. The following received 2016 grants: • Bethlehem’s Joy (Sing while Shackled), Resurrection UMC • Building Upgrades for Community Food Pantry, Roselle UMC • Cultural Competence: Becoming a Cultural Detective, Bolingbrook: Friendship UMC • Children’s Cooking and Art Classes, Genoa: Faith UMC • Global Citizenship 2016: Stories, Irving Park UMC • Intergenerational Children and Family Ministry, St. John’s UMC • Just Financials, Center for Changing Lives • Students, Entrepreneurs & Executives (S.E.E.) Proposal, St. Mark UMC • You’re Not Alone Camp, Milledgeville UMC
Faith UMC in Genoa will use the creative ministries grant to grow its free art and cooking classes for children in the community. Organizers say that many of the art programs in the schools have been cut due to funding challenges and this class gives children an opportunity to be creative, eat healthy and learn some new skills.
• Estudio de liderazgo y adoracion hispana en IMU, El Mesias UMC • City Kids Summer Camp, Hartzell UMC
2016 CLERGY:
Age report shows increase in number of young elders Growth among young elders remains modest but relatively steady, according to the Clergy Age Trends in The United Methodist Church report released by the Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary. The annual report is prepared with assistance from Wespath, formerly the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits of the United Methodist Church.
Highlights of 2016 report include: Decade-Long Modest but Steady Increase in Young Elders Continues Growth among young elders has been slow but relatively steady (about 14 per year) since 2005, the low point when only 850 or 4.69 percent of elders were under 35. In 2016, there are 1,003 young elders that comprise 6.84 percent of the pool of active elders, the highest since the 1990s. The overall pool of active elders is now smaller by almost 3,500 elders since 2005.
Fewer Middle Age Elders
Unfortunately, the modest gain in the presence of young elders was offset by a continuing substantive decline in the number and percentage of elders aged 35 to 54. This mid-age group continues to shrink, from 65 percent of all active elders in 2000 to 37 percent in 2016.
Proportion of Older Clergy Continues to Grow
Elders between ages 55 and 72 comprise 56 percent of all active elders, the highest percentage in history. This group reached 50 percent for the first time ever in 2010. This age cohort represented only 30 percent of active elders as recently as 2000.
Clergy Are Retiring Later
Since 2000, there has been a fairly consistent increase in the age at which clergy retire. The average age at which United Methodist clergy retired in 2000 was just under 64. By 2015, the last full year of data, the average retirement age had increased to just over 66.
Full Report Available for Download
Much more information is available in the complete Clergy Age Trends report, which is available as a free PDF download at: www.churchleadership.com/clergyage. It shows the average and median ages of elders by United Methodist conference and features a breakdown of young, middle age, and older clergy by conference for elders, deacons, and local pastors. A five-minute video summary of the report is also available on the webpage. The Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary is pleased to provide this report as a service to the church. For more information visit: www.churchleadership.com.
SAVE THE DATE:
Laity Sunday October 16 Laity Sunday is United Methodism’s annual celebration of the work and mission of laity. We need the whole Body of Christ, clergy and laity, as we seek to become more vital congregations who make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. As your new conference Co-Lay Leaders, Jessie Cunningham, Elisa Gatz, and Mark Manzi, we are asking all churches to recognize this day by encouraging lay people to plan and lead worship. It is the perfect opportunity for the Lay Servants in our congregations to preach from this year’s theme “Disciples Called to Action: Living Vital Worship.”
The Board of Discipleship has worship planning aids for Laity Sunday on their website, www.umcdiscipleship.org. On the site, go to “Worship” tab, click on the “Worship Planning tab”, and then go to “Church and Civic Holidays” tab. On the second page you will find Laity Sunday Resources. If your congregation cannot celebrate Laity Sunday on Oct. 16, choose another Sunday that works best for your church. What is important is that your church celebrate the work and the mission of the lay members of your congregation.
UMW Annual Celebration Saturday, Oct. 22 Sycamore United Methodist Church 160 Johnson Ave., Sycamore, IL Speaker: Carl King, an author, musician and the Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry at Baker Memorial Churchin St. Charles, Ill. For more information contact: nicumw@gmail.com Carl King
The Reporter | October 2016 | 5
UMW elects leaders for new quadrennium
Become a Green Faith congregation The Northern Illinois Annual Conference Ecojustice and Sustainability task force is seeking additional churches to sign up for the Green Faith program. The program helps congregations learn how to make their physical space greener while reducing energy consumption (and cost) along the way. It also engages the local congregation in prayer and scriptural study so that Green Faith becomes a part of the life of the congregation.
About 25 United Methodist Women and guests from the NIC attended the NCJ UMW Quadrennial event in Grand Rapids, MI this past June.
Rita L. Smith (right) poses for a
photo with Yvette Richards (left), United Methodist Women from the Northern Illioutgoing President of the UMW nois Conference attended the North Central JurisNational Office, after being elected diction United Methodist Women 2016 QuadrenPresident of the North Central Jurisdiction UMW. nial event in Grand Rapids, MI this past June. The weekend included fellowship, worship, learning and the business of voting on directors for the next quadrennium. Rita L. Smith was elected as President of the NCJ United Methodist Women, responsible for planning the next Quadrennial Event in 2020.
“In this prestigious position and member of the Program Advisory Group, I will bring greater communication between the jurisdiction conferences and the national office serving as their voice, listener and encourager as we fulfill the United Methodist Women’s purpose,” said Smith. At the UMW organizational meeting Aug. 27-29 in Houston, TX, Shannon Priddy, daughter of NIC UMW President Dottie Priddy, was elected as the National UMW President for the new quadrennium. She is from the Indiana Conference. Congratulations to these new UMW leaders.
This two-year process walks a congregation through each step, including auditing of their current energy practices, faith-filled study of the scriptures, and public witness of our connection to God’s earth. The Green Faith program is currently open to 20 congregations in Northern Illinois. Thanks to a grant offered through the Annual Conference, the cost of the program is only $250, allowing a congregation to become Green Faith Certified at the end of the process. The process will connect a congregation to sustainability partners in their area, including those like Faith in Place. Those wishing to become a part of the process can contact Richard Alton, Co-chair (along with Pastor Nancy Rethford) of the Task Force at richard.alton@ gmail.com. Presently we have the following congregations interested: Euclid Avenue, River Forest, First West Chicago, Hemenway, Evanston First, Elgin First, Carol Stream St. Andrews and Olivet. The deadline for to apply is October 31.
Standing Rock (continued from page 3)
Campers spend the night tents and tepees at Oceti Sakowin Camp, near Cannon Ball, ND. Photo by Dave Stucke, Dakotas UMC.
creatures. I have a unique history and perspective on the current conflict,” said Ough. Phyllis Young, member and former councilwoman of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, greeted Ough. “It is good to have you here. Thank you for your presence,” said Young. Ough and Young informally discussed the camp and ways to continue the conversation.
Oklahoma Mission Conference has a strong presence
The Rev. David Wilson, Conference Superintendent of the Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference of The United Methodist Church has been on the ground at Standing Rock twice in the last month. “When I first heard about the issues that the Standing Rock nation was facing, I immediately felt called to learn what was going on and how we could help. We are a conference made up of entirely Indian United Methodist churches, the only one like it in this nation. The people at home began asking what is happening and what can we do? I felt like I had to come and find out,” said Wilson. On each visit Wilson has brought people and donations from the Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference with him, and has worked at connecting others to the people of the Standing Rock Nation, including Ough. Wilson hopes 6 | The Reporter | October 2016
that people will learn more about the issue at hand and about Native American people. “When people come to Standing Rock they learn so much about the issues, about who we are as indigenous people and how diverse we are,” said Wilson. “There are 200 tribes represented at the peace camp. They are all alike and yet so different. It is my hope that people would find ways to respond, form connections and meaningful relationships.” Wilson sees the action and support of The UMC as vital to the integrity of the church. “The United Methodist Church has been on this Act of Repentance journey for eight years. Many conferences have had special services, learned about Native people. If we are sincere about being in community with Native people, this Act of Repentance, this is a great time for us to put our words into action,” said Wilson.
Other United Methodists in support
Other annual conferences and individuals have made the journey to Standing Rock, including the Yellowstone Conference and the Dakotas Conference. JuDee Anderson, a member of Sheridan First UMC, (Sheridan, Wyoming) and the Committee on Native American Ministries for the Yellowstone Conference, came with a team to work at the peace camp. “We are strongly committed to encouraging the church to support this peaceful protection of the land and water and will be working toward this from the Yellowstone Annual Conference. We will be returning to Standing Rock for learning and to support those who are there,” said Anderson. “We have worked with the Sand Creek descendants and we wrote the petition to the General Conference regarding the church and Sand Creek. So coming to the camp at Standing Rock to volunteer is important from our perspective.”
Ways to respond
“There are several ways to respond,” said Wilson. “One is to visit and volunteer at the camp. Another way is contrib-
uting financially through the Dakotas Conference and the Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference. The infrastructure of the camp is costing $1,500 to $1,800 a day.” Donations to the Dakotas Conference will be channeled to supplies and hands-on support needed at the peace camp on Standing Rock. Funds can be sent to Dakotas Conference, PO Box 460, Mitchell, SD 57301 or can be made online at: www.umc-oimc.org/give-online. Make sure to write “Standing Rock” in the memo. Financial donations for general operations, legal fees and other expenses can be directed to the Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference, 602 SW 35th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73109. Make sure to indicate “Standing Rock” when making a donation. One of the significant ways United Methodists can respond is to grow in understanding and connection with all Native people. “I pray that we may grow in our understanding and connections, and grow in a love for our neighbors of the Standing Rock nation and all Native American people across the Dakotas and the world,” said Bishop Ough. “May we as United Methodists join with all those praying for justice and standing for a peaceful path forward that protects God’s people and God’s planet, “ said Susan Henry-Crowe in a recent news release. The work of connection and relationship has begun and will take a continued, enduring effort for United Methodists in the Dakotas and beyond. “I want to say how thankful I am for Bishop Ough, Susan Henry-Crowe and others who have come here, to learn about what is happening, to listen and to be present. That has meant so much to the people here at Standing Rock. That is a great start to a relationship with the people of Standing Rock and beyond. This has been a great week for the United Methodist presence,” said Wilson. *Gosmire is the director of communications for the Dakotas Conference UMC
Resolution aims to guide decisions at the polls As the election approaches, the Church and Society Committee of Community United Methodist Church in Naperville, Ill., reminds United Methodists in the Northern Illinois Conference of a resolution introduced and passed at the 2015 Annual Conference. At that time the Committee decided to work on The United Methodist Church’s issue of social justice as framed by the 2012 Book of Resolutions. “We discussed the minimum wage and the recent decades of an increasing gap of income between the rich and the poor,” said Bob Schroeder, Chair of the Church and Society Committee at Community UMC. They ultimately decided to send the following resolution:
A slimmer Jim Miller (center) practices his hula hoop skills at the East Jordan Polo Youth Camp at Reynoldswood.
Pastoral Leader’s weight loss challenge a gain for local youth By Susan Keaton
An investment in some local youth – and in the pastoral leader’s health – has resulted in bountiful returns for tiny East Jordan United Methodist Church near Sterling: The membership has grown, the pastoral leader has shrunk, and the church that once had no children at all now sponsors a fledgling youth group. “It’s a very small church doing very big things,” said Jim Miller, DeKalb district lay leader for the Northern Illinois Conference, who was assigned by the District Superintendent to the church in 2015. At age 74, retired from a business career, he was ready to help East Jordan find new ways to be in ministry. Remembering how a local American Legion Post changed his life by sending youth from a broken home to a summer camp, Miller proposed that his new congregation consider offering a free camp experience to kids in the nearby community of Polo. Upping the ante, he asked members to pledge an amount for every pound Miller lost, in the hope of sponsoring 10 campers. He visited the principal of the local elementary school and asked for a list of children who could benefit from a camp – kids from single-parent homes or families with fewer resources, kids dealing with divorce or other losses, youngsters with ADHD, learning disabilities or anger issues. Soon he had a pre-screened list of 10 parents interested in having their kid participate. One of them was Jack Townsend, a father of four
who hadn’t found a new church home since moving his family to Polo several years ago. The family attended services at East Jordan a few times to get to know the people. East Jordan church welcomed the family with open arms, Townsend said. Some church members even showed up with a truck to help them move to a new home a few weeks after that first visit. “They didn’t even really know us,” he said. “It just made us feel like family.” Townsend’s daughters Jessica, 11, and Kimberly, 14, were among the 14 youths the congregation sent to the “East Jordan Polo Youth Camp” at Camp Reynoldswood the week of July 10. The congregation had raised more than $6,000 (Miller had lost 34 pounds) to pay for a week of swimming, canoeing, archery and learning about Christ. Now 10 of those campers are part of the congregation’s first youth ministry. “We’re just having a ball getting to know them,” Miller said. Their families are getting involved with the little country church as well. On Sept. 18, East Jordan’s membership increased by 10 – among them Townsend, his fiancée, and his children. Miller said a growing congregation can do more ministry in the community, which will include more camps in the years ahead. “The destination was not the camp,” he said. “The destination was the church.”
“We call upon the NIC to endorse the ‘Pathways to Economic Justice resolution #4054, and submit the following amendment to the 2016 General Conference in Portland: We urge every United Methodist to work for, and vote for, political candidates who pledge to work on ending economic injustices. Let your vote be guided by your faith. Ask yourself, “What would John Wesley do?” The 2016 General Conference took no action because the General Conference is considered a world conference, not an American conference said Schroeder. “Since our resolution did pass the NIC without dissent, we write this message to encourage each member of our Conference to let our faith guide our electoral decisions,” said Schroeder. The committee adds that they do not mention individuals or national parties but simply ask to consider your United Methodism when you go to the polls.
Churches help exceed INM Goal Thanks to the many churches and individuals who have pledged and contributed, the Northern Illinois Conference has surpassed its $1 million fundraising goal for Imagine No Malaria. To date the total amount received is $1,160,000. The amount of outstanding church pledges is $184,000. We’ve received $81,500 individual donations and another $95,000 in individual pledges with $12,500 outstanding. The NIC is one of 13 conferences or episcopal areas across the denomination that has already exceeded their fundraising goal for Imagine No Malaria. With its latest report, the Imagine No Malaria program announced it has reached 92% of its denominational fundraising goal of $75 million expecting to top the $69 million mark soon. In 2013, Bishop Sally Dyck challenged the Northern Illinois Annual Conference to commit to raise at least $1,000,000 to save 10,000 lives (every $100 saves a life). As of World Malaria day, April 25, 2015, the Northern Illinois Annual Conference had met that challenge and pledged $1 Million to Imagine No Malaria! Imagine No Malaria is an extraordinary ministry of the people of The United Methodist Church, putting faith into action to end preventable deaths from malaria in Africa, especially the death of a child or a mother. With a comprehensive approach to fighting this killer disease, Imagine No Malaria empowers the people of Africa to improve health infrastructure and achieve a sustainable victory over malaria. Ultimately, the most important thing about Imagine No Malaria is that through our efforts, pledges and gifts, we are saving lives! Individuals and churches may still donate by submitting checks to: Northern Illinois Conference, P.O. Box 5646 Carol Stream, IL 601975646. For more information about the program and how to donate, visit: www.ImagineNoMalaria.org.
Youth enjoy making ice cream among many other activities during a special week of camp at Reynoldswood this summer thanks to a weight loss challenge from the East Jordan United Methodist Church’s pastoral leader.
The Reporter | October 2016 | 7
Did You Know: We are framed by core values? By Rev. Arlene Christopherson, Assistant to the Bishop/Dir. Connectional Ministries
In the summer of 2015 the Northern Illinois Conference began a journey of assessment, reflection and focus for the future. We launched the Landscape survey and heard from 396 laity and clergy who shared their current assessment as well as aspirations for our future. We followed up by taking the survey findings to a leadership summit attended by 230 leaders, followed by six listening sessions across the conference, hearing from 502 laity and clergy as you further refined the results of the work and helped us think about next steps. Out of the process we not only gained a better perspective on our mission, vision and priorities, we also developed a list of core values to guide us in our work. These core values are being held up at every level of our leadership; in conference meetings, at the cabinet table and even in staff assignments. The nine values listed here give us signs along the way that will help us reflect on our vision of “making and supporting vital Christians in vital congregations that engage with their communities and the world for peace, justice and mercy.” We are a conference that has declared a focus on mission. Today’s mission field is both near and far, in our own communities and in communities around the world. How we engage that mission is at our core. We want to be a culture that encourages evaluation, accountability and support for growth. Incorporating these activities into the fabric of our existence will help us improve our organization and meet our mission. We wish to expand our comfort zone and allow for experimentation and risk-taking (with room for failure) for the purpose of learning. We need to be a culture that encourages the new, knowing that not everything we do will succeed but that there is value in the trying. We are a conference that seeks transparency. This might translate into an emphasis on communication as the embodiment of our value, sharing our highs and lows, successes and failures, working to help us all understand why we do - what we do - when we do it. As a Christian community we want to claim honesty and graciousness with each other, we are called to model the body of Christ in our interactions, sharing our vulnerability and recognizing that we come to our faith and our mission from varying perspectives. Close in partnership with honesty and graciousness is our value for safe spaces for sharing. How we set the table for our life together in a way that allows us to say “I see it differently”, will help us move through difficult issues, grounded in the value of our purpose, even while respecting our varying positions. Jesus was relational in his ministry and has taught us to be relational in all that we do. Out of this foundation in faith we as a conference claim relationship-building as a core value. In a shrinking world where news is instantaneous and social media gives us so much access to one another, we hunger for the provision of resources/services closer to the local church. Finally (but not least) is the value of fostering and celebrating diversity (as a conference, in our community and in the world). At the recent School of Congregational Development, Northern Illinois became a showcase of diversity in our music, ethnic, and cultural make-up as well as theological perspective. We fostered the beauty, strength and rich impact of diversity in our conference as a gift that makes us an effective witness to our faith. How do these core values resonate with you as you think about your own setting for ministry, as you relate to the annual conference and as we plan for the future? These are the touchstones being utilized by our leadership for the work ahead. I hope they are also a place of resonance in your church community as we journey together.
Outdoor & Retreat Ministries Happenings Confirmation Retreats Fall
@Reynoldswood: October 21-22, 2016 (still room) @Wesley Woods: November 4-5, 2016 (full)
Spring
@Wesley Woods: March 31-April 1, 2017 @Reynoldswood: April 21-22, 2017
Wesley Woods Winter Ski Retreats @ Wilmot
Camp S.O.A.R. (Special Outdoor Adaptive Recreation), serves 150 special needs children each summer--complete with concerts, dances, crafts and swimming. Camp As Community Outreach Please be sure to read the accompanying article on pg. 7 about the success of the East Jordan - Polo Summer Camp, and stay tuned for next month’s article about enjoining that success with your own local congregation! Thank you all for your prayers, donations and time commitments that help our ministry to keep growing each year!
• January 27-29, 2017 • February 10-12, 2017 • February 24-26, 2017
Unexpected Donations: Accessible Sand Wheelchairs Wesley Woods’ patrons Jack and Jodi Foss couldn’t help themselves – they were so inspired by the Camp S.O.A.R. counselors’ sacrifice and efforts to bring joy and new successes to campers that they donated a brand new accessible sand wheelchair. The new chair equips staff with another tool to further enhance the camp experience by enabling mobility challenged campers to wheel across the sandy beach and into the refreshing lake water. Twice the JOY! Upon reading the local news article that highlighted the joy that the gift brought to the children’s lives, a Lake Geneva resident contacted Wesley Woods asking to donate another accessible sand wheelchair. She worked with staff to evaluate the various options and picked a chair that also floats in the water!
Program Office Changes NIC Program Office Staff has moved from Elgin to the Chicago office at 77 W. Washington St., Suite 1820, Chicago, IL 60602. Administrative Assistant Natarsha Gardner can be reached at 312-346-9766 ext. 724 or by email: ngardner@umcnic.org. For Safe Sanctuary background checks, please send to Natarsha at the Chicago address or fax: 312-346-9730. Director of Communications Anne Marie Gerhardt can be reached at 312-346-9766 ext. 766 or
by email: agerhardt@umcnic.org. Director of Connectional Ministries Rev. Arlene Christopherson can be reached at 312-346-9766 ext. 713 or by email: achristo@umcnic.org. The Media Resource Center remains at 217 Division St. Elgin, IL 60120. MRC Director Susan Gieseler is working part-time 10-12 hours a week (Tuesdays and Thursdays) and can still be reached 847-931-0710 ext. 17 or by email: sgieseler@umcnic.org.
2016 APPOINTMENTS: AUGUST ANNOUNCEMENTS Steve Good (Elder) to Oswego: Good Shepherd (Aurora District) from Channahon (Aurora District). Steve follows Phil Sheets who is appointed to Lockport: First. Effective October 1.
Gary Rich (DS Supply) to Cedarville/Red Oak (Rockford District). Gary follows Bettye Mixon (Interim). Effective September 1.
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Job Openings For the latest NIC job openings, visit www.umcnic.org/jobs 8 | The Reporter | October 2016
Anne Marie Gerhardt, Dir. of Communications agerhardt@umcnic.org 312-346-9766 ext. 766 77 W. Washington St. Suite 1820, Chicago, IL 60062