November 2022 Reporter

UnitedMethodistswalkalongsideHurricaneIansurvivors

Inthefirstweeksfollowing HurricaneIanstrikingsouthwest Florida,pastorsandchurch volunteerssprangintoactionto assessneedandprovidecomfort.

Ianbrought150-mphwindsto FloridaonSept.28,andtherehave sofarbeenmorethan110stormrelateddeathsinFloridaalone,as wellasfatalitiesinCuba,North CarolinaandVirginia.Thestorm alsoknockedoutpowerto2.6 millionhomesandbusinesses,with long-termrecoveryestimatedinthe tensofbillionsofdollars.Itisthe deadlieststormtohitFloridain almost90years.

FloridaConferenceBishop KennethH.CarterJr.spentseveral daysfollowingthestormvisiting pastorsinareasthatwerehardest hit.

“Wewerejusttheretolistenand pray,totrytobeavisiblesignofthe

connection,”hesaid.“Ithelpsusto visuallyseehowpeoplearedoing. Everyonewemetwasvery exhausted,asarewe.”

TheRev.DebbieAllen, superintendentoftheSouthWest District,whichincludesFortMyers, saidthatofthe75churchesand missionsinthedistrict,atleasttwothirdssufferedsomekindof damage.

“Ithinkthecommunityheregot hitharderinalotofwaysbutthe churchesseemtohavebeenmore fortunateintermsofdamage,soyou seethemalreadyouttheretryingto engageandworkwiththeir communitiestoofferhelpandhope,” Allensaid.“It’swhatwedo.We’re UnitedMethodists;wetakeourfaith andputitintoaction.”

TheRev.ArleneJackson,pastorof theFortMyersCentralcampusof GraceUnitedMethodistChurch,

saidthattheyheldworshipinthe sanctuarytheSundayafterIanhit, evenwithlimitedelectricityandno runningwater.Jacksonreportsthey hadafullhouse,sanghymnsa cappellaandcelebratedHoly Communiontogether.Membersof the12-steprecoverycommunity, withwhomthechurchhasastrong partnership,broughtgrillstofeed boththechurchandutilityworkers tryingtorestorepower.AlocalDJ evenbroughtasoundsystemtoplay music.

Jackson’shometookonthreefeet ofwaterandshesaidshe’sbasically lostallherworldlypossessions,“but we’vegoteachother,we’vegotGod andourfaith.”

Whenaskedhowshejuggles ministeringtohercongregantswhile dealingwithherownloss,Jackson laughedoutloud.

(continuedonpage3,seeFromtheCover)

ByJoeyButler*

MembersofavolunteerteamfromtheNorthGeorgiaConferenceofTheUnitedMethodistChurchcleanoutahomeinFortMyers, Fla.,thatwasfloodedbyHurricaneIan.PhotobyMikeDuBose,UMNews.

Passingthebaton

“Therefore,sinceweare surroundedbysogreatacloud ofwitnesses,letusalsolay asideeveryweightandthesin thatclingssoclosely,andletus runwithperseverancetherace thatissetbeforeus,lookingto Jesusthepioneerandperfecter ofourfaith,whoforthesake ofthejoythatwassetbeforehimenduredthecross, disregardingitsshame,andhastakenhisseatattheright handofthethroneofGod.” Hebrews12:1-2(NRSV)

FaithinChristissomethingtopassontoothers.Itislike abatoninarelayracethatwereceivefromsomeoneand passontoanotherrunner.Itishavinganexperiencewith Jesus,knowingthatGodhaschangedyourlife,and sharingitwithsomeonewhowillcarrythemessage forward.

WhenIarrivedinNorthernIllinoisbyZoomonJanuary 1,2021,Iwassurroundedby“sogreatacloudof witnesses.”ThebatonIreceivedfromBishopSallyDyck wasfullofheartfeltloveandservice.Herfaithandyour faithwarmedmyheart.Iwantedtohonorthosewhocame beforemeinthefaithandthisconference.Likemanyof ourpastors,Ihadtoquicklylearnhowtoshifttolistening andleadingonline.“Lights,camera,action”replaced“can

wetalkforamoment.”Despitethelimitationsimposedby theCOVIDpandemic,webuilttrust,learnedtogether, sharedourfaith,andreliedoneachother.

Ithasbeenanhonorandablessingtoservewithyou overthesepasttwoyears.Atfirst,IthoughtIwouldbe yourinterimbishopforoneyear.However,likemanyof thosewhocamebeforeus,theracewerunisoftenlonger thanweanticipate.Hebrews12:1encouragesusto“run withperseverancetheracethatissetbeforeus,lookingto Jesusthepioneerandperfecterofourfaith.”Wedonot runtheracealone.WekeeprunningbyfocusingonJesus. OurgoalistopassGod’sloveinJesusChristontoothers.

Ithankyouforsustainingmeinmyleadershipamong you.Yourprayers,presence,gifts,service,andwitnesskept myeyesuponJesuswhensomememberssoughttodivide ourchurchtosaveit.Myfaithjourneybeganina MethodistChurchwhenIwas12.Icontinuetokeepthe vowsImadetoChristandhisChurchwhenIwas13.I wholeheartedlybelieve, “TheChurchisofGod,andwillbe preservedtotheendoftime,fortheconductofworshipand thedueadministrationoftheWordandSacraments,the maintenanceofChristianfellowshipanddiscipline,the edificationofbelievers,andtheconversionoftheworld.All, ofeveryageandstation,standinneedofthemeansofgrace whichitalonesupplies.” (TheBookofWorshipforChurch andHome,UMPH,1964,1965)

Ireceivedthebatonofspiritualleadershipinthe NorthernIllinoisConferencefromBishopDyck,who receiveditfromBishopJung,whoreceiveditfromBishop Sprague,whoreceiveditfromBishopDuecker,who receiveditfromBishopDewitt.NowitistimethatIpass thebatontoanotherbishop.

ThismonthonNovember5,anewbishopwillbenamed attheNorthCentralJurisdictionalConferencetofollow meonJanuary1,2023.Thatbishopwilllookbackatme withanoutstretchedarmasIhandoffthespiritual leadershipoftheNorthernIllinoisConferenceofThe UnitedMethodistChurch.Likeallrunners,Iwilltakea deepbreathfromtemporaryexhaustionandsmilethat someonecontinuestopassonfaithinChristtoanew generation.

Yourministryisnottoapplaudthoserunningbuttobe intheraceyourself.PraiseGodforthe“cloudofwitnesses” whohavepassedChristontoyou.Keeprunningwith perseveranceasasignofyourtrustinJesus.Reachoutand supportthosewhoruntheracewithyou.Mostofall, honorandsupportyournextbishopasyouhave supportedme.Iwillalwaysrememberyouinmyprayers asyoufollowtheleadershipofanewservantofChrist.

TofindtheannouncementoftheNorthernIllinois Conference'snewbishop,visit umcnic.org/news

TheBoardofTrusteesannouncedinOctoberthatthe NorthernIllinoisConferenceofficewouldmovetoanew locationinChicago’sEastLooptoa30-storybuilding alongtheriverfrontat303E.WackerDrive,Suite2020, effectiveNovember1.

WhentheConference’scurrentleaseat77W. WashingtonSt.attheChicagoTemplecameupfor renewalthissummer,theTrusteestooktheopportunityto reassessofficeneedsandsurveymanyotherfactors inwhethertostayorgo.

“TheTrusteeBoardheavilyconsideredtheneedsofthe Conferencestaffforspace,environment,security, amenities,andpurposeforcomingintotheoffice,and decidednottorenewat77W.Washington,”NICBoardof TrusteesChairRev.NancyBladesaid.“Themove-inready officeat303E.Wackerwillhelpusdownsizeandthink creativelyabouthowweresourceourlocalchurches.”

Bladeaddedthenewofficewillalsobetterequipthe EpiscopalneedsandhelptheConferencebewellprepared towelcomeanewbishopwhowillarriveinJanuary.

SincemovingtotheChicagoTemplebuildingfrom HigginsRoadin2002,alothaschanged,fromstaffsizeto bettertechnology.

“In2002,weneededdedicatedofficespacefor32 personsandfivepart-timeoffices,”NICTreasurerLonnie Chafinnoted.“Today,in2022,weneeddedicatedoffice spacefortenpeople.Wehaveeighthybridpositionsinthe officeweekly,andDistrictSuperintendentsnowworkfully remote.”

Withthemove,Conferenceofficespacewilldecrease from9,400squarefeetto7,100squarefeet.Theboard exploredsmallerfootprintswith77W.Washington buildingmanagement,butthoseoptionsrequiredcostly renovationandconstruction.

Chafinsaidthenewofficeleasecontractisadealalmost toogoodtopassup.

“Withagreatnumberofcompaniesabandoningoffice spaceormovingtosmallerofficesnowthathybridand workfromhomehasbecomethenorm,Loopcommercial

realestateischeaperthanit’sbeeninalongtime,”said Chafin.“Consequently,landlordsareproviding unprecedentedincentivestonewtenants.”

ChafinsaidtheConferenceissubleasingspacefroma marketingcompanythathasdecidedtogofullyremote. Hesaidwe’vesignedaten-yearagreementandwillreceive 13monthsoffreerent,40monthsathalfprice,and500 squarefeetforfreetheentireperiod.Italsocomesfully furnished.

TheBoardofTrusteesconsideredinputfrommany conferenceleadersandtheAnnualConference ShepherdingTeam,includingsuggestionsto relocateoutsidethecityandconcernsaboutdistanceand accessibilitytostaff.

“Wehaveheardclearlythedesireforconnection betweentheConferencestaffandthelocalchurchandwill continuetomakethatavailableandimproveservices whereverwearelocated,”saidBlade.

BishopJohnL.Hopkinsaddedthehighlevelofcustomer servicewillstaythesamesincethestaffandEpiscopal officesareprimarilyadministrative,andweuselocal churchesandZoomfortraining,conferences,andother events.

“IamgratefultoourConferenceTrustees,especiallyRev. NancyBladeandLonnieChafin,forvettingtheirdecision withtheAnnualConferenceShepherdingTeam,the ConferenceCouncilonFinanceandAdministration,and theCabinet,”saidBishopHopkins.“Thestaffteamwill benefitfromhavingabetterplaceforcollaborationand service.”

Postcardswiththenewaddresswillbemailedtolocal churcheslaterthismonth.Apportionmentsandbenefit paymentsshouldcontinuetomailtothesamepostoffice box.PropertyInsurancepaymentswillhaveanewpost officebox.AllothercommunicationswiththeConference shouldbesenttothenewaddress.

WhiletheConferencehasenjoyedbeinghousedatthe ChicagoTempleforover20years,thenewoffice accommodatescurrentchangesinreducedstaffand

increasedonlineministryconnections,plusitprovidesthe flexibilitytoadapttoarapidlychangingworking environment.

UnitedMethodistFoundationannouncesmove

TheUnitedMethodistFoundationoftheNorthern IllinoisConferencehasalsodecidedtomovetoanew locationinthewestendofChicago’sLoopatthe intersectionofWackerDriveandRandolphStreeton November1.Theirnewaddressis155NorthWacker Drive,Suite4250,Chicago,IL60606.Theircontact informationstaysthesame.Thephonenumberis 312-334-0704,email contact@umfnic.org andwebsiteis umfnic.org.

The GeneralCommissionontheStatusandRoleof Women(GCSRW),whichsharedspacewiththe Conferenceonthe19thfloor,alsomovedoutofthe TempleinOctober.Whilethestaffwillbeworking remotely,correspondencemaybemailedtothenewNIC addressat303E.WackerDr.,Suite2020,Chicago,IL 60601.Theagency’sphonenumberstaysthesame, 312-346-4900ortoll-free800-523-8390.Theiremailis info@gscrw.org andwebsiteis gscrw.org

NorthCentralJurisdictional delegatestoelectuptothreebishops

ByPaulBlack*

Withthetheme"WePressOn,"delegatesfrom10annual conferencesacrosstheMidwestwillgatherinFortWayne, Ind.,Nov.2-5foraregularsessionoftheNorthCentral JurisdictionalConference,whereuptothreenewbishops willbeelected.

Inaquadrenniummarkedbypostponementof2020 jurisdictionalconferencesduetoaglobalpandemicanda specialNCJsessionheldinNovember2021,delegateswill gatherforseveralbusinessitems.Theywillhandletwoof itsmajorresponsibilities–electionofbishopsand approvalofajurisdictionalbudgetforthequadrennium.

Electionofbishops

Thefirstorderofbusinesswillbeconsiderationofajoint recommendationoftheNCJCommitteeonEpiscopacy andtheNCJCollegeofBishopstoelectthreenewbishops, whichwillassumeofficeonJan.1,2023.

Asecondrecommendationistohaveasingleepiscopal leaderfortheDakotasandMinnesotaconferences,asit wasbetween2016and2020beforeretirementsforceda temporaryreshufflingofepiscopalassignments.

Duetodecliningmembershipwithinthejurisdiction,it wasanticipatedthattheNCJCollege,comprisedofnine episcopalareas,wouldbereducedtoeightforthe 2020-2024quadrennium.Normally,thosenumbersare announcedatGeneralConferencebeforethestartof jurisdictionalconference.

WhentheNovember2021specialsessionwasheld, delegatesvotedtofillonlyonevacancyofthetwoleftby theretirementsofBishopsSallyDyckoftheChicagoArea (NorthernIllinoisConference)andBruceOughofthe Dakotas-MinnesotaArea,whobothwereassignedto dutieswiththeCouncilofBishops.

FromtheCover

BishopLaurieHalleroftheIowaAreaalsoannounced earlierinAugustthatshewillretire,effectiveDec.31, allowingathirdbishoptobeelected.

Sincethen,theJudicialCouncilhasruledthatsince GeneralConferencedidnotmeetandsinceno announcementwasmade,jurisdictionscouldusethe2016 formulafornumberofbishopsasaguideline,meaning NCJwouldmaintainninebishopsthrough2024.

Anotherfactorthathasledtotherecommendationof threeelectionsinsteadofoneisthattwoandpossiblythree bishopswillretirein2024,leavingtheflexibilityforthe jurisdictiontodownsizetheCollegeofBishopsthrough attrition.

Candidatesforbishop

Tenpersonshaveannouncedtheircandidacyforbishop. Thefieldof10includesthefollowing:

•Rev.ToddD.Anderson,WestOhio

•Rev.KennethaBigham-Tsai,Michigan

•Rev.Dr.CurtisBrown,IllinoisGreatRivers

•Rev.JacquesConway,NorthernIllinois

•Rev.CaraE.StultzCostello,EastOhio

•Rev.Dr.AlezeFulbright,Indiana

•Rev.Dr.LanettePlambeck,Iowa

•Rev.JonathanPriebe,EastOhio

•Rev.LuisFelipeReyes,NorthernIllinois

•Rev.DanSchwerin,Wisconsin

BallotingwillbeinthemorningsessiononNov.2, beginningat10a.m.ESTandcontinuingthroughoutthe plenarieseachdayuntilthenumberofpersonselected matchesthenumberofvacancies.Tobeelected,a candidatemustgarner60percentofthevoteonanyone ballot.

“I’mnotjugglingthisatall.Areyououtofyourmind?Alltheplatesareonthe ground!We’rejustallhelpingeachothergetthroughit.”

ForLaraMartin,directorofU.S.DisasterResponsefortheUnitedMethodist CommitteeonRelief,thisstormhithome—literally.AFloridanative,Martinsaid thatratherthannumbers,shesees“thefacesofcousins,aunts,uncles,myown pastor,andplaceswhereI’vegrownup—probablychangedforever.”

MartinsaidthatUMCORhasbeenpartneringwiththeFloridaConferencefor yearsontheplansthatarenowinaction.

“Whilethesituationischaoticandtheemotionsarerawevenforme,weknow whatthenextstepsaregoingtobe,andweknowthisconferencehasthecapacityto changeeverything,”shesaid.

TheRev.MarcusZillman,seniorpastorofCypressLakeUnitedMethodistChurch inFortMyers,isconcernedaboutthelong-termpsychologicalneedsofhis community.BecauseIanwaspredictedtolandfurthernorth,manyintheFortMyers areadidn’tevacuate,includingfamilieswithyoungchildrenwhomaynowbedealing withthetraumaofgoingthroughsuchadeadlystorm.

“Overthenextfewmonths,peoplewillneedtogrieveandtelltheirstories,”he said.

Hischurchdidn’tsustainmuchdamage,soit’sservingasacollectionpointfor supplieslikewaterandtarps,andwillsoonbereadytohostworkteams.

Thoughit’sstillearlyforwidespreadmobilizationofworkteams,acrewfromthe NorthGeorgiaConferencedidmakeittoFortMyersafewdaysafterIanstruck.

MarkBrown,adisasterresponseteamleaderfromNorthsideUnitedMethodist ChurchinAtlanta,saidhe’dbeenscheduledtodeliveratruckloadofsuppliestothe FloridaConferenceofficeinLakelandwhenhegotacallfromhisconferencedisaster reliefcoordinator,askinghiminsteadtoassembleateamandtraveltoFortMyersas soonaspossible.Brownsaidthatwithin15hours,hehad11volunteers.

“Jesustolduswe’resupposedtodothis,anditmayseemlikewe’reservingalotof people.Butwegetalotofserviceoutofitaswell,”hesaid.“WegohomefullofGod’s spirit,andfellowshipandlovewe’veinheritedfromthehomeowners.”

HomeownerSandySmartwasamongthoserelievedtoseetheNorthGeorgiateam, whichcleanedouthishouseafterittookonsixfeetofwater.

“It’sablessing,”Smartsaid.“They’vedoneanawesomejob.”

Smartsaidhehasnoideahowlongitwillbebeforehishousewillbeingood enoughconditiontolivein.Likemanyaffectedbythestorm,hesaidit’sgoingtobea longandslowprocess.Zillman,CypressLake’spastor,agreed.

“There’sgonnabeneedshereforthenextsix,eight,12months,”hesaid.“Ihope everyonedoesn’tforgetaboutusoncewe’reoffthefrontpagebecauseit’sgonnabea longrecovery.”

*JoeyButlerisamultimediaproducer/editorforUnitedMethodistNews.

Futureepiscopalareas

DelegateswillhearareportfromtheCommitteeon Episcopacyaboutfutureepiscopalareas.Duetothe membershipdeclineandananticipatedreductionbrought aboutbychurchesdisaffiliating,thecommitteeismaking thefollowingrecommendations:

•TheNorthernIllinoisandWisconsinconferencesand EastandWestOhioconferencesbeginconversation withoneanotheraboutsharingabishop.

•Allannualconferencesbeginconversationabout sharingepiscopalareasinthefuture.

•ARoleofEpiscopacyintheNCJTaskForcebeformed andchargedwithbringingitsfindingsandproposalsto the2024jurisdictionalconference.

Otherservicesandhighlights

AretireerecognitionforBishopsDyck,OughandHaller willbeheldat4p.m.ESTThursdaywithaspecialoffering fortheUnitedMethodistCommitteeonRelief’sMigration Project.

TheServiceofConsecrationwilltakeplaceSaturday,at 10a.m.EST,withBishopDyckpreaching.Assignmentsof bishopstoareasbeginningJan.1,2023,willthenbe announced.Areceptionwillfollowat11:45a.m.

Formoreinformationandtowatchthelivestreamofthe conference,visit ncjumc.org.

*PaulBlackistheDir.ofCommunicationsanddelegatefortheIllinoisGreat RiversConference

MembersofavolunteerteamfromtheNorthGeorgiaConferenceofTheUnitedMethodistChurchclear stormdebrisanddamagedkitchenitemsfromahomethatwasfloodedbyHurricaneIaninFortMyers,Fla. PhotobyMikeDuBose,UMNews.

UnitedMethodistleaderspraywiththeRev.JuanRamos(incheckedshirt)outsideTiceUnitedMethodist ChurchinFortMyers,Fla.,followingHurricaneIan.PhotobyMikeDuBose,UMNews.

Church News Local

Skokiechurchwelcomesmigrantsastheirneighbor

SubmittedbyRev.SunHyungJo,JesusLoveUMC

AfterhearingthenewsofhundredsmigrantsfromCentraland SouthAmericabeingbusedtoU.S.citiesfromTexas,JesusLove UMCinSkokieputintoactionawaytohelpthosearrivingin theircommunity.SinceAugustmorethan1,500migrantshave beenbusedtoChicagoandthey'renowstayingintemporary sheltersandhotels(nearO’Hareandinthesuburbs).It'sexpected thatbuseswiththoseseekingasylumwillcontinuetoarriveevery weekforthenextseveralmonths—manywithjusttheclotheson theirbackandwithoutaccesstoessentialsuppliesnecessaryfor survival.

InearlySeptember,NIC'sRefugeeCoordinatorRev.Jonathan Crailrequestedameetingwithallchurchestofindwaystooffer assistancetothemigrantsarrivinginChicago,includingsetting updonationlocationsandworkingwithWorldRelieftoorganize volunteers.

Afteranemergencymeetingwiththechurch’s“LoveYour Neighbor”team,JesusLove'scongregationdecidedtoservein twoways:collectingdonationitemsinthechurchandpreparing onehundred$20giftcards.Althoughitmaynotbealarge amount,wethoughtournewneighborsmightneedthegiftcards forpurchasingfeminineproducts,firstaidsupplies,etc.Bydoing this,wewantedtohelpournewneighborsfeelasenseofrelief.

OnSeptember25,ourcongregationcametogethertoprepare thevariousdonationitems.Wealsomadewelcomecardswith warmmessagestogoalongwiththegiftcards.Eachmemberof ourchurch,includingthechildren,hadtimetolearnaboutwho our“neighbors”areandhowweshouldcareforthem.

AfterhearingthatmostofthosewhohavearrivedinChicago thistimearoundarefromVenezuela,wewroteourmessagesin Spanish.Planningtheseprojectsandputtingthemintopractice alwaysremindsusthat“servingothers”comesbacktousasa blessing.

Afewdaysafterwemadethewelcomecards,oneofourchurch membersletmeknowthat43migrantchildrenhadenrolledin herchildren’sschoolandthatherchildrenandthenewstudents wouldbetakingclassesalongsideeachother.I’msurethatthis servedasanimportantreminderforherfamilytoalways“love yourneighborasyourself.”

LakeNorthDistrictSuperintendentBrittanyIsaaccelebrated JesusLove'sactofkindness.

"Allofthesemigrantswhoarefindinganewhomeinthe Chicagoareawillshapeourcityandsuburbsforgenerationsto come,"saidIsaac."Thebettersupportwecangivethemnow,the betterourfuturewillbecollectively.”

Thecongregationwaseagertohelpinatangibleway.Leaving asidethepoliticaldebateonwhatisrightorwrong,thechurch’s jobistoshowGod’sloveandgoodwilltothesewanderers,our neighborswhohavelosttheirhome.Itisourjobtomakethem feelloved,astheyhavebeencreatedastheimageofGod,justlike us.

Formoreinformationonhowtohelpwithmigrantassistance, visit umcnic.org/ChicagoMigrants

Youngadultmissionopportunity

Areyoulookingforanopportunitytofighttheroot causesofinjusticeintheUnitedStatesthroughdeep engagementwithalocalcommunity?Areyou betweentheagesof20-30?

TheGlobalMissionFellowUS-2Trackcouldbethe perfectopportunityforyou!GlobalMissionFellows seektocombatsystemicoppressionandalleviate

sufferingwhileservinginpartnershipwiththeirnew community.

Theyservefortwoyearsasacohortacrossthe UnitedStatesworkinginpublichealth,migration issues,povertysituations,andmuchmore.

Applicationsareopenforservingin2023.Learnmore andapplyat umcmission.org/become-a-fellow

ChildrenatJesusLoveUMCinSkokiehelpdecorateandwritemessagesincardsformigrantswhoarefindinganewhomeinthe ChicagoareaafterbeingbusedfromTexas.

WhenRev.ArleneChristopherson,NIC’s AssistanttotheBishopandDirectorof ConnectionalMinistries,beganpackingupher officeonthe18thflooroftheChicagoTemple, sherolleduphersleevestosortthroughdozensof booksandresourcesshe’scollectedthroughthe years.Itwasalibrarydatingbacktoherseminary daysfilledwithawealthofwisdom.

Knowingshecouldn’tmoveloadsofbooksto thenewConferenceofficespace,Arlenecontacted Aquilino“Pong”Javier,theNIC’schairofOlder AdultMinistries.

Whatstartedasamissionprojectforthe2018 NationalAssociationofFilipinoAmericanUnited Methodists(NAFAUM)convocationinManila, Javiercontinuestoshipbooks,sheetmusic, hymnals,songbooks,andmuchmoretohelp supplychurchesinthePhilippines.

Withmixedemotions,Christophersonboxed upthesentimentalbooksthatservedherandthe conferencestaffovertheyears,andJaviermadea specialpick-upattheChicagoTempleonOctober 19fillinghistrunkwiththeliterarydonation.

“Alittlepieceofmyheartgoeswiththose resources,andIhopetheymeanasmuchto

someoneinthefutureastheyhavemeanttome overtheyears,”saidChristopherson.

Javiersaidhe’salreadycontactedthepresident oftheWesleyanUniversityPhilippines(WUP), JudgeBenjaminTurano,whopledgedtosponsor theshipmentcost.

“Heisexcitedaboutthisprospect,”saidJavier. “ThecollectionwillbeintheWesleyDivinity SchoolLibraryofWUP.Ihavealreadyhelped enhanceotherWUPdepartmentlibraries.”

Javiersaidhe’slostcountofhowmany shipmentshemadetothePhilippinesoverthelast fouryears,butheguesstimatesabout160cargo boxes.

“Onecargoboxcanfit3.5oftheOffice Depotsize-copy-paper-box,”Javiersaid.“Imust havesent200UnitedMethodistHymnalsto WUPwhenIfoundoutthatasaUMinstitution, itdidnothaveaUMHymnal.WUPnowisusing NICdonatedused-hymnals.”

Javierappreciatesthemanygenerousdonations tohisministrythatcontinuetoblessourministry partnersinthePhilippines.Ifyouhavea donation,pleasecontactAquilino“Pong”Javierat 708-268-7003oremailat abjavierjr@gmail.com

ResetyoursoulwiththeNICbookclub

Thefallgroupsarewellunderway!TheDiscipleshipTask Forcehasbeenengaginginsomegreatdiscussionsonhard topicslikeburnout,depression,grief,orjustover-extension. It’stimeforareset!ThelateRev.JuniusDotsonwalksus throughhisexperiencesanddailyspiritualpracticesthatput thatresetinmotioninhisbook"SoulReset."Ourgaze changesfromourdailyplannerstotheomnipotent,allloving, holyGod.

ItisnottoolatetojoinourFall2022NICBookClub!You mayregisterforthegroupwhowillbemeetingduringAdvent, oroneofthetwogroupsmeetingatthebeginningof2023. Youmayreaditonyourownorgatheryourownsmallgroup. CopiesmaybepurchasedatCokesbury,UpperRoom, Amazon,orotherbookstores.

Formoreinformation,registrationandresourcevideos,visit umcnic.org/Discipleship/NICBookClub

NICHispanic/Latinxministriescelebrateswithworshipandlearning

Saturday,October15markedthelastdayofHispanicHeritageMonth, andtheHispanic/LatinxpeopleofourNorthernIllinoisConferencecame togethertocelebratetheirheritageanddiversityandtothankGodforthe opportunitytoserveHiminthiscountrywithresilienceandhope.

Around80peoplecametogetherforworshipandcommunionforthe firstconferencegatheringinpersonsince2019.

Rev.Dr.JavierViera,originallyfromPuertoRicoandPresidentof Garrett-EvangelicalTheologicalSeminary,wastheguestpreacher.

"Weareperegrines,peopleinconstantmovement,"saidDr.Viera,who alsosharedaboutthechallengesofbeingimmigrantsinthiscountryand theopportunitiesforourChristiancommunitiestobethehands,feet,and lipsofJesus."Thechurchmustbeapropheticvoiceinsuchtimesasthese," saidDr.Viera.

ThesecondpartofthedaywasledbyPaolaMárquez,borninColombia andafirst-yearPh.D.studentatGarrett-EvangelicalTheologicalSeminary, whosepresentationwasabout"Immigrationandtheyouth."

ThemorningconcludedwithadeliciousHispanic/Latinxlunchforall theattendees.Follow facebook.com/NICHispanicMinistries

◄ Participantsenjoyfellowshipfollowingadayofworshipandlearningwithan authenticHispanic/LatinxmealatFirstUMCinDesPlaines.

Rev.ArleneChristophersonpartswayswithbooksshe’scollectedsinceseminarytogive toAquilino“Pong”Javier,whowillshipthemtoUnitedMethodistpartnersinthe Philippines.

NativeAmericanleaderdiscussesthreatenedcultures

ByKlausUlrichRuof, TranslatedbyJacquelineRohmann

Informertimes,theRev.GlenKernellwouldhavebeen calledan“Indian.”Hisnameinthelanguageofhistribeis Chebon.

AsEuropeansettlementofNorthAmericaexpanded westward,theindigenouspopulationwithculturesgoing backhundredsandthousandsofyearswasoverwhelmed, oppressedandmassacred.Familiesweresplitupand childrenre-educated.

Kernellsaidonly0.004%ofNativeAmericansinNorth Americasurvivedaftertherelocationanddispossession periodwhenNativeAmericanswereforciblyremoved fromtheirlandsandtakenfromtheirfamilies.Today’s Nativepopulationarethedescendantsofthosesurvivors. “I’moneofthem,”headded.

Duringthe11thGeneralAssemblyoftheWorldCouncil ofChurches,heldAug.31-Sept.8,KernelltalkedwithUM Newsaboutwhatit’slikeforthreatenedculturesconsigned tolifeonthesidelines.Theecumenicalgatheringis characterizedbycolorfuldiversity—notjustintermsof culture,butalsowiththeissuesthatmoveparticipantsand thechallengestheyface.Around3,000peoplefrom120 countriesattended.

KernellisamemberofSeminoleNationofOklahoma. HeisalsoofMuscogeeCreekancestry.TheU.S.federal governmentrecognizes574suchnationsofNorth America’sindigenouspopulationspreadoutacrosswhat todayistheterritoryoftheUnitedStates.

HehasbeenworkingasaUnitedMethodistpastorin churchesinOklahomaformorethan10years.Oklahoma istodayhometomembersofmultipletribes,whowere relocatedfromtheiroriginalterritoryintheU.S. Southeast.

Kernellstudiedpoliticsbeforegettingamaster’sdegree intheology.Forthepastthreeyears,hehasbeenexecutive directoroftheUnitedMethodistNativeAmerican ComprehensivePlan,whichaimstogiveavoicetothe concernsoftheNativeAmericanpeopleandtofindways ofcarryingouttheiraspirations.Theseincludepreserving theindividuallanguagesofthegroups,acquiringan understandingfortheirveryoriginalspiritualityand advocatingtopreventviolenceagainstNativeAmerican womenandchildren.

Hesaidthatoneexplicitobjectiveof theplanfocusesontheever-growing effortsforclimatejustice.

Thisiswhyhedoesn’tagreewiththe biblicalphrasenormallyusedinthe churchthatdescribespeopleasstewards whohavebeengivenresponsibilityto takecareoftheland.Infact,hesaid,it shouldbetheotherwayaround.

“It’snotthattheearthbelongstous andwetakecareofit.Instead,we belongtotheearthandittakescareof us,”hesaid.“Forcountlessgenerations, ithasgivenuseverythingweneed— air,water,fruit—andneverkept anythingfromus.”

KernellsaidthatMethodismfounder JohnWesleywasanotherEuropean faithleaderwhofailedinhisapproach toreachtheNativesheencounteredin theU.S.

In1736,WesleyarrivedinSavannah, Georgia,onamissionintheAmerican coloniestoevangelizetheIndians.Thosehemetthere belongedtotheMuscogeetribe—Kernell’sancestors.As Wesleywroteinhisdiary,hefailed“toteachtheGeorgian IndiansthenatureofChristianity.”

RichardGuzmaninterviewsRev.Glen“Chebon”Kernell(right)attheSept.22Speaker SerieseventatOurSaviour’sUMCinSchaumburgsponsoredbytheNICAnti-RacismTask Force.Kernellsharedhisinsightsandlearningrelatedtoindigenouscommunities’ history,presentworkbeingdone,andhowwecanbeinsolidarityasweprepareforthe future.Towatcharecordingoftheevent,visit umcnic.org/2022SpeakerSeries.Seepg.7for informationontheupcomingDecemberSpeakerSeriesevent.

“No,notreally,”Kernellsaid.

Thisstateofaffairsforcedhimtothinkabout “conversion”duringhisreturnjourneytoLondon.Kernell describedWesley’sfailurebydrawingattentiontothe fundamentallyincorrectapproach:Wesleyhada“very simpleconceptofconversion,”butitwasonethatdidn’t work.Hedidn’tunderstandthatthesewerepeoplewho hadtheirown“widespreadculturewithitsownwisdoms forunderstandingtheworld,”aculturethatexistedlong beforetheEuropeanscame.

“Hefailedtoappreciatethepeoplehemet,”Kernellsaid. Instead,thefocuswasonachievingthefastestpossible success,withoutbeinginterestedintheconditionsin whichthesepeoplearelivingandshowinganyrespectfor theirneeds,headded.

So,hasthesituationchangedatalltoday?

Thedramaticlandseizurethatdestroyslivelihoodshas beengoingonforcenturiesandstillcontinuestothisday intheAmazonregion,Indonesia,thePacificislandsand inthenorthernmostpartsofNorthernEuropeaswellas NorthAmerica.

“Intheend,it’sgoingtoreach‘us’too,andit’lldestroy ourlivingspace,”hesaidoftheWesternworld.

Kernellisdrivenbytheneedtochangethis,andallthe moresobecausetimeisshort.

“Iwantmychurchtounderstandthat‘we’haveour insights,knowledgeandunderstandingofGodand people’swell-being,somethingthatisstillwaitingtobe givenitsduerespecttoday,eveninthechurch.”

*RuofispublicrelationsofficerandspokespersonforTheUnitedMethodist ChurchinGermany.

ByKenSloane,DiscipleshipMinistriesDirectorofStewardship&Generosity

YOUTH2023,July25-28inDaytonaBeach,Fla.,hasbeen plannedtobethemostamazing,impactfuleventinthe livesofyoungpeople,whilealsobeingaccessiblefor churchestobeabletosendtheiryouthandadultleaders. It’sawonderfulinvestmentinyourchurch’sministry,and thesefolkswillbringblessingsbacktoyourchurchupon theirreturn!Belowyou’llfindabreakdownofthemajor costsforattendingtheeventandideasonhowtoraise moneytocoverthosecosts.

EstimatedCostsforAttendees

Registrationcostis$375perperson;includesallevents andprograms,aswellaslunchanddinneronWednesday andThursday.Breakfastisonyourown.

•Lodging:$145perroomnight,withupto4stayingina room.For3nightswith4personsinaroom,the lodgingcostperpersonis$108.75.

•Transportation:Foreachchurchtodetermine,based ondistanceandmodeoftravel.

•Totalcost:About$500/attendee,basedon4inaroom, plustransportation.

Howcanyourchurchfundsendingyouth?

1.Identifywhatsizegroupyourchurchmightsendto YOUTH2023andhowtransportationmighthappen. Planfundingintoyour2023budgettohelpsend youngpeopleandtheirleaderstothislife-changing event.

2.Explorewhetherthereisafamily(oracoupleof families)whowouldbewillingtomatch,dollarfor

dollar,moneydonatedbythecongregationto underwritethesecosts(ortomatchyouthfundraisingefforts).

3.Findundesignatedfunds(reserves,etc.)thatcould beusedtohelp.

4.Manychurcheshavememorialfundsthatinclude smaller,undesignatedamounts.Checkwithfamilies ifawholeorpartialgrantforayouthtoattendthis eventmightbeanappropriatememorial.

5.DesignateGivingTuesdayasthedaytofundYOUTH 2023Grants.Setagoalandremindfolksbytext, email,and/orsocialmedia.Invitethemtousethe #GivingTuesdaytoannouncetheirgift.

6.Invitefolksinyourchurchtomakeagifttothe YOUTH2023fundinhonorofapastor,Sunday teacher,oryouthleaderwhowasinfluentialintheir lives.Youmightevenconsidersettingupabulletin boardwithnamesandpicturestorecognizethese specialpeople.

7.Provideyourcongregationtheopportunitytogivea grantasaChristmasgifttopeopleontheirgiftlists whodon’treallyneedorwantanymorestuff. Provideamementothatcouldbewrappedand giventorepresentthegift.(Thiscouldbethemost meaningfulgifttheyreceive!)

Toregisterandlearnmore,goto youth2023.org

Leading

Connectingchurch andcommunity

ByMarkManzi,NICCo-LayLeader

Inhisnewbook“WeNeedToBuild,Field NotesForDiverseDemocracy,”EbooPatel includesachapterontheGeniusofReligiousInstitutions.He asks,“Whatwouldhappenifallthehousesofworshipinyour neighborhooddisappearedtomorrow?”Hisansweris,“The socialconsequenceswouldbeatleastasdevastatingasthe spiritualones,”meaningitwouldbeterribleforallofuswho attendthesehousesofworship,butitwouldbejustasawfulfor society.Thinkaboutthatforamoment.Doweunderstandthe profoundeffectourchurches,synagogues,temples,andmosques haveonsociety?Isyourchurchapartofthesocialnetworkof yourcommunity?

BradFulton,anassociateprofessorofnon-profitmanagement atIndianaUniversity,says,“Thereissomeupsidetoorganized religionsthathasverylittletodowithreligion.Theyhaveagreat mechanismforbringingpeopletogether.”

Intheirbook“TheUpswing,”RobertPutnamandShyly RomneyGarrettwrite,“Religiousinstitutionshavelongbeenthe singlemostimportantsourceofcommunityconnectednessand socialsolidarityinAmerica.”Aswelookatourchurches,dowe seethat?Theoptimistsamongussay,“Yes!”Theyseeit happeningdailyintheirchurchesandaroundthem.Theygrasp thetruenatureoffollowingthewayofJesusandseeit happening.Thepessimistsamongusmightnotbesosure.We needtolookaround.Weneedtorememberwhoandwhosewe are.Wecan’tforgetthatthisisourcall.

EbooPatelsaysthis:"Attheirbest,religionsareanetworkof institutionsthatseektomakerealaninspiringvisionthat adherentsbelievewassetforthbyGod,avisionthatmakes everyonesacred.ThechurchisthemysticalbodyofChrist, organizingitselftoengagetheworldthewayJesuswould.”

Wearenotaprivateclub.WeareDiscipleswithavisionanda missionforourneighborhoods,countries,andtheworld.We needtoseethosearoundusinourchurches,butwemustbe readytoseebeyondthewallsofourchurchesandintoour community.ThelateRev.JuniusDotsonpreachedthiswithhis mantra,“SeeAllThePeople.”

LaityConvocation2023mightbeawayforustore-energize. “ThinkingOutsideTheChurch,MakingCommunityMinistry Happen”isourtheme.DavidTeel,DirectorofLaityand LeadershipatDiscipleshipMinistries,willbeourkeynote speaker.Wewilltaketimetoshareideasinbreakoutgroups.We willalsohearfromchurchesinourconferencewhoarealready workingandpartneringintheircommunities.Participantscan joininpersonatthreedifferentlocationsoronline.PutSaturday, February11,onyourcalendar!

Joyfulyouthfallretreat

Over65youthandadultyouthleaderscame togethertheweekendofSept.23-25forafallyouth retreatinLakeGeneva.TheretreatthemewasJOY (Jesus,Others,andYou)withafocusonjoyin fellowshipasreflectedinscripturesinPhilippians 1—2andPsalm133.Rev.JosiahMontgomery,Pastor ofEastSideUMCinChicagoandAsst.Directorof FaithandActionatNorthCentralCollege (Naperville)wastheretreat'sguestspeaker.

Theplanningteamconsistedofeightchurches (Belvidere:FirstUMC,Bolingbrook:Friendship UMC,BuffaloGrove:KingswoodUMC,Chicago: UrbanVillageChurch,HinsdaleUMC,Machesney Park:NewLifeUMC,Mendota:ZionUMC,and Wheaton:GaryUMC),ledbyDanielLee,Director ofYouthMinistriesatGaryUMCinWheaton.

Danielstartedsharingthisvisionwithotheradult youthleadersoverayearagoandsaidhewas, “gratefulthatwe’reonechurchandcansharejoys

andstruggles.Hopefully,thisisthebeginningof somethingtheconferencecanworktogetheronfor yearstocome.”

Youthandadultssharedtheirexcitementofbeing inconnectionandgettingtoknowyouthfromother churches.Rev.JeremiahLee,PastorofGood SamaritanUMCinAddisonandamemberofthe Anti-racismTaskForce,sharedthathisstudents enjoyeditsomuchthathe’splanningtogethisyouth togetherwithyouthatHinsdaleUMCinthefuture. Hesaid,“theyreallyconnectedandlovedthe communityeffort.”

Formorephotosandalinktoasurveyforthose interestedinfutureretreatsandevents,visit umcnic.org/news/joyful-youth-fall-retreat.

TheNorthernIllinoisConferenceAnti-Racism TaskForce,theDiscipleshipTaskForce,GarrettEvangelicalTheologicalSeminary,andNorth CentralCollegeco-sponsoredtheretreat.

KidsAboveAllHolidayGiftDrive-Nov.28-Dec.13

SponsoraChild

•MaketheholidaywishesofachildinoneofKidsAboveAll'sprogramscometrue witha$50purchaseoftoys,books,andclothes.

DonateaToy

•Thedriveneedsnew,unwrappedtoys,games,orbooksforyouthofvariousages. OnlinewishlistsfromAmazonwillbeavailablesoontohelpguidethegiftselection processforourchildrenandteenagers.Visit kidsaboveall.org/holiday-gift-drive

VolunteerintheToyRoom

•The2022ToyRoomwillbeatKidsAboveAll'snew"A BetterLifeDistributionCenter,”locatedat1801E. OaktonSt.,DesPlaines,IL60018.Healthandsafety measures,includingmasks,mayberequired.

•ContactCatherineInserraat cinserra@kidsaboveall.org tolearnmoreandsetupa timetovolunteerasanindividualorgroup.

Fall2022Events

November UnitedMethodist StudentDay -Yousupport education!

November27

Thisyear,theofficialdatefor UnitedMethodistStudentDay isNov.27,2022,butyou're encouragedtocelebrateona daythatworksbestforyour church.Withoutyour generosity,thisministrycould notbeachieved!In2021, churchesgave$272,159toward ministriesfundedbytheUnited MethodistStudentDaySpecial Sundayoffering.Yourgifts supportover70loansand scholarshipsforundergraduate andgraduateUnitedMethodist students.ForaSundaypastor andleaderkit,visit resourceumc.org

December

SpeakerSeries: Race,Americaand theChurch

Called:DoingGod'sWorkfor theBelovedCommunity December1,12:00-1:30p.m.

OnlineviaZoom

Speaker: Dr.DrewG.I.Hart DrewG.I.Hartisanauthor, activist,andprofessorin theologyintheBibleand ReligiondepartmentatMessiah Universitywithtenyearsof pastoralexperience.Hewill addresswhatthelocalchurch candotocombatthe continuationofracisminthe churchandinsociety. Forregistrationandmore information,visit umcnic.org/2022speakerseries

December VitalPartnership Workshop Dec.3,9a.m.-3p.m.

Location: TheCenterUnited MethodistChurch,400N. WalnutStreet,Itasca,IL

Speaker: DirkElliott,Dir.of CongregationalVibrancyand LeadershipDevelopmentfor theMichiganConference Churchescomeinallformsof health:somearehealthyand growing,othersaremaintaining thestatusquo,andsomeare declining.Buttheyallhaveone thingincommon–theywantto befruitfulandhealthy.Attend thisworkshopandexplorenew waysyourchurchmight becomehealthierthrougha merger.

Toregister,visit umcnic.org/calendar/vitalpartnerships-winter-2022

◄ Youthgroups fromchurches acrossthe conference

collaboratedfora fallretreatinLake Genevawitha focusonfinding JOYinfellowship.

Forthelasttwoyears,theNorthernIllinoisConference hasbeenledbyinterimBishopJohnL.Hopkins.Aswe moveintothelastcoupleofmonthsoftheyear,our attentionturnstotheannouncementofanewbishopand thetransitionintoanewera.Beforethattransitiontakes place,Iwanttocelebratetheleadershipofourinterim bishopandinviteyoutoreminisceonthistwo-year journey.

Oneofmyfavoritequestions,circulatingbeforethe beginningofthe2022in-personAnnualConference, was,“HowTallisHe?”Forthefirst18monthsofBishop Hopkins'timewithus,mostofusonlysawhimon Zoom,inapreachingvideo,orthroughhisleadership duringourvirtualannualconferencesession.Withno benchmarkforheightwhensomeonesitsinfrontofa computermonitor,we’vealllearnedthatshoulder-up viewsarelimiting.

Aswefinallygatheredinperson,people'scuriosity peaked.Iheardthequestionrepeatedthroughthe

ClergyAppointmentsandRetirements FallAnnouncements

HowTallisHe?

hallways,“Howtallishe?”Wefinallyhadtheanswer whenthebishopstoodinfrontofthesessionliveforthe firsttime.(Answer:BishopHopkinsis6feettall)

CalledoutofretirementtoleadusinJanuary2021, BishopHopkinscametotheconferencewith20yearsof episcopalexperience.Steppingintoanewcontextduring apandemiccannotbeeasy.Movingfromretirementinto activeservicerequiredsomejugglingofpriorities.Witha primaryresidenceinIndianapolis,wehadourfirsttaste ofbeingledbyacommutingbishop.

BishopHopkinshasbeenpartofmanyunprecedented eventstheselastfewyears.Twohybridordination servicesin2021,twovirtualannualconferencesessions. AppointmentmakingviaZoom.Clergysessionsonline. Meetingclergyandleadersthroughouttheconference andgivingleadershipallviaZoom.Recordingsermons, greetings,andmessagesratherthangatheringinperson. Therehasbeenverylittleoverthelasttwoyearsthatone wouldcategorizeasnormal.Evenforabishopwho

servedactivelyfor20years,therewerenewexperiences.

LastmonthwhenBishopHopkinsmetinpersonwith ourConferenceLayLeaders,ConnieAugsburger,Mark ManziandEugeneWilliams,forthelasttime,he celebratedtheirgiftsandleadershipandtheirwisdom andenergy.TheythankedBishopHopkinsforhis propheticvoice,calltoconnectionalismandcalm, stabilizingdemeanorinthistimeofchange.

Unlikethecelebrationandsendoffweholdwhena bishophasservedusina“normal”season,Bishop Hopkinswillcomeandgoinaflash.Iinviteyoutotake timetowriteanemail,sendacard,orofferawordof appreciationtosomeonewholeftthecomfortand routineofretirementtostepintothisuniquemomentin time.WegivethankstoBishopHopkinsforofferinga foundationforourwitness,missionandservicetoour communities,ourconference,andtheworld.

ThisICelebrate!FreshExpressions

ByRev.MartinLee,Dir.ofCongregationalDevelopmentandRedevelopment

BishopJohnL.HopkinsannouncesthefollowingclergyappointmentsandretirementsfortheNorthern IllinoisConferenceofTheUnitedMethodistChurch,effectiveJuly1,2022(unlessotherwisenoted):

JaneBradford (RetiredLP IGRC)toRockford:ChristUMC (PrairieNorthDistrict)as VisitationPastor.

AnthonyClausell (District SuperintendentSupply)to Chicago:Mandell(LakeNorth District).AnthonyfollowsDawn Gardnerwhoremainsat

Evanston:Hemenway(Lake NorthDistrict).

ArnoldHoskins (District SuperintendentSupply)to Chicago:Freedom(LakeSouth District).ArnoldfollowsRobert Houstonwhoisappointedto Chicago:Faith(LakeSouth District).

DonnaHoffman (Retired LicensedLocalPastor)to HanoverUMC(PrairieNorth District)fromretirement.Donna followsRichOttenswho concludeshisministry.Effective August1.

ReneBello (District SuperintendentSupply)to Aurora:NuevaVida(Prairie CentralDistrict).Renefollows MartinLopez(LicensedLocal Pastor)whoconcludeshis ministry.EffectiveAugust1.

CesarPichardo (District SuperintendentSupply)to Joliet:Christ(PrairieCentral District).CesarfollowsIvan Sarabiawhoisassignedto Belvidere:IglesiaCristiana Emerge(PrairieNorthDistrict). EffectiveAugust1.

JobOpenings

DarrianAdkins (District SuperintendentSupply)to Bartlett:GoodShepherd(Prairie CentralDistrict).Darrianfollows BeckyNicol(RetiredElder)who willreturntoretirement. EffectiveSeptember1.

GavinBrandt (RetiredElder)to GermanValleyandWinnebago (PrairieNorthDistrict)from retirement.Gavinfollows DonaldPlockwhodiedwhile serving.EffectiveSeptember1.

RobertBiekman (FullElder)to TransitionalLeavefrom EvangelicalLutheranChurchof AmericaChicagoSynod (AppointmentBeyondtheLocal Church).EffectiveSeptember1. WesDorr (FullDeacon)toOak Park:First(LakeNorthDistrict) fromWestCookYMCA (AppointmentBeyondtheLocal Church).EffectiveSeptember1.

RobertHouston (Licensed LocalPastor)toChicago:Faith (LakeSouthDistrict)from Chicago:Freedom(LakeSouth District.RobertfollowsTom Rawlinsonwhoremainsasan associateatChicago:St. Matthews(LakeNorthDistrict).

PamelaPirtle (FullElder)to TransitionalLeavefrom CommissionontheStatusand RoleofWomen(Appointment BeyondtheLocalChurch). EffectiveOctober1.

Submissions

ForthelatestjobopeningsintheNorthernIllinois Conferenceandacrosstheconnection, visit www.umcnic.org/jobs

StayConnected

SignupfortheweeklyNICeNews,Appointment AnnouncementsandSympathynotices. Visit www.umcnic.org andscrolldownandclickon“Signup forourNewsletter”toenteryournameandemail.

Pleasesubmititemsatleasttwoweekspriortopublication date.Includeyourname,address,email,phonenumber andnameoflocalchurch.Spaceislimited.

Electronicsubmissionsarepreferredwithhigh-resolution attachedjpegs.Submissionswillbeeditedatthediscretion oftheCommunicationsstaff.

ThewordFresh[Expressions]wasborrowedfromThe DeclarationofAssentwhichismadebydeacons,priests, andbishopsoftheChurchofEngland.TheChurchof EnglandandBritishMethodiststartedFreshExpressionsto revitalizeexistingchurchesandtostartnewformsof churches.

MyrecentexperienceoftakingtheFreshExpressions experiencewithMichaelBeck,DirectorofRe-Missioning withFreshExpressions,toeverydistrictintheannual conferencewasagreatjoytome.Thisprojectinvolves bringingpracticaltoolsfordeliveringtheministryofthe Churchtopeoplenotcurrentlyconnectedtoanychurch. ThosecongregationsthathavecommittedtoFresh Expressionshavewitnessedmanydifferentformsof renewal.

Ministryisdifficult.Inthemidstofthechallenges,the HolySpiritismakingdisciples.Discipleshipishappeningin small,ruraltowns,inthesuburbsandinmajorcities.There issomethinginFreshExpressionsthatspeakstoevery congregation.

Ournextstepinthisprojectistocreatesmallcohortsof congregationsthatwillmeettowalkwithoneanother throughtheprocessoftransformation,learningand listeningandhelpingoneanotherontheway.

GoduseseverygiftintheChurchtofurtherthegoodand pleasingandperfectwillofGodintheworld.

IfyouareinterestedinlearningmoreaboutFresh Expressions,email mlee@umcnic.org

2022Journal

TheJournalofthe183rdNorthernIllinoisAnnual ConferenceheldJune8-10,2022,isnow published.Afreedownloadablepdfisavailable ontheconferencewebsiteat umcnic.org/journal.Itisalsoavailableto purchaseonlinethroughAmazon.Thecostofthe paperbackis$14.

HowtoContactUs

Foreditorialcontent,subscriptionsandaddresschanges: AnneMarieGerhardt Dir.ofCommunications 312-346-9766ext.766

303E.WackerDr.,Suite2020 Chicago,IL60601 communications@umcnic.org

Rev.ArleneChristopherson,Asst.totheBishop/Dir.ofConnectionalMinistries