Rev.PamelaPirtle,whoisservingonstaffatSt.Mark, firstintroducedtheideaofstartingaFreedomSchoolwith
thechurch'sYouthandFamilyCenterandbrought togetherateamtoworkonapplyingforthegrant. “WeareexcitedtoreceivethisPhillipJacksonFreedom Schoolgrantthatispartofthestate’sEducationand WorkforceEquityActenactedlastMarch,”saidPirtle.“We hadadedicatedteamworkingthelastfewmonthstomake thishappen,andwecan’twaittobeginwelcoming scholars,asthey’recalledundertheprogram.”
St. Mark UMC leaders and guests celebrate a $350,000 yearly grant for three years to open a Freedom School to support students in the Chatham neighborhood in Chicago. (continuedonpage3,seefromthecover)
In1995,MarianWrightEdelman,civilrightsactivistand founderoftheChildren’sDefenseFund(CDF),tookthe nameandfoundedtheFreedomSchoolProgram.CDF's missionisto"ensureeverychildahealthystart,ahead start,afairstart,asafestartandamoralstartinlife,anda successfulpassagetoadulthoodwiththehelpofcaring familiesandcommunities."
Reporter DONOTDELAY.DATEDMATERIAL.The umcnic.orgVolume168 | September2022Issue5 2 FromYourBishop: BoyScoutsandEvangelism 3 SpanishLicensingSchool ProvidesOpportunity 5 NewCampusMinisterat InclusiveCollective 6 Pastor’sApportionment ChallengetoCongregation TheReporter ispublished10timesperyearbyNICCommunications.Postmaster:Sendaddresschangesto:NIC,77W.WashingtonSt.Suite1820,Chicago,IL60602 Supportedby Apportionmentdollars Key: Supportedby MissionLinksdollars Homewood,IL.Permit#130PAIDU.S.PostageNonProfitOrgLearnmoreaboutApportionmentandMissionLinksdollarsat umcnic.org/apportionments and umcnic.org/misionlinks Chicagochurchreceiveslarge granttostartaFreedomSchool ByAnneMarieGerhardt,NICDir.ofCommunications
AccordingtotheCDFFreedomSchoolswebsite,the programprovidessummerandafter-schoolenrichment througharesearch-basedandmulticulturalprogram modelthatsupportsK-12scholarsandtheirfamilies throughfiveessentialcomponents,includingcharacterbuildingenrichment,parentandfamilyinvolvement,civic engagement,andnutrition,healthandmentalhealth. Since1995,CDFsaystheprogramhaseducatedmore than150,000children(K–12)andtrainedmorethan 17,000youngadultsandchildadvocatesontheFreedom Schoolsmodel. AboutfiveFreedomSchoolsexistinChicagoandmore than200acrossthecountry,accordingtoJonHale, AssociateProfessorofEducationPolicy,Organizationand LeadershipattheUniversityofIllinoisUrbanaChampaignandauthorofthe2016book“TheFreedom Schools:StudentActivistsintheMississippiCivilRights Movement”(NewYork:ColumbiaUniversityPress). “IllinoiswillhavethelargestFreedomSchoolnetworkin thecountywiththisgrantprogram,”saidHale,whoadded thiskindoffundingisrareasmanystatesarecutting educationfunding.“Hopefully,thisinspiresmorestate supportsincethistypeofeducationiscriticallyimportant. Theafter-schoolprogramsupportswhat’sbeingtaughtin schoolsandthesix-weeksummerprogramfillsthat summerlearninggap.” Hale,whoconsultedwithSt.Mark,saysFreedom Schoolsprovidetremendoussupportforyoungstudents byprovidinghigh-qualityeducation,excellentteaching, andconnectionstomentors.Hesaysthiseducationis needednowmorethanever.
onthecity'sSouthSidewillsoongetadditional
ChildrenandyouthinChicago’sChathamneighborhood educationalsupporttogivethemaheadstartthankstoa MethodistChurch.OnSunday,August14,St.MarkUMC announcedthechurchreceiveda$350,000renewable yearlygrantforthreeyearsfromtheIllinoisStateBoardof EducationtostartaFreedomSchoolasacontinuedeffort toprovidesocialandeconomicequitythroughunique learningopportunities.
InApril2022,thestateofIllinoisannounceda$17 milliongranttobuildthefirststate-fundednetworkof FreedomSchoolsinthecountry.Theschoolsdatebackto the1960swhenvolunteerstraveledtoMississippitoteach Blackstudentshowtoreadandwrite,alongwithlessons onconstitutionalrightsandAfricanAmericanhistory. Chicago6thWardAldermanRoderickT.Sawyersaid he’spleasedthestatechoseSt.Markforthegrantand believestheFreedomSchoolwillbevitaltothe community. “Anyeducationalinstitutionlikethiswillupliftthe citizensinthiscommunityandlthinkitwillbe enlighteningtotheyouth,theirparentsandcommunity memberswhogetinvolved,”saidSawyer.“Wehaveto makesurepeopleknowtheymatterandthattheyhavethe rightsandprivilegesofeveryotherstudent,andIthink thisFreedomSchoolwillmakethathappen.”
newFreedomSchoolopeningatSt.MarkUnited
“Wearehonoredtoreceivethisgrant,butwearemore excitedabouttheimpactit’sgoingtohaveonthechildren andourcommunity,”saidRev.P.DevonBrown,senior pastoratSt.Mark.“TheFreedomSchoolteachesthe studentsreading,writingandarithmeticinthecontextof theircultureandhistory,whichwillbuildself-esteemand helpraisecompetentyoungpeopletogrowintoadults whocontributetothecommunity.”
UnitedMethodistBishopJohnScholisamongagroupof UnitedMethodistleaderswhohasnegotiatedonbehalfof thedenomination.
aboutChristandhisChurchthroughtheBoyScoutsand similarorganizationsforyouth,butthenumberis significant.ThemeritbadgesinscoutingandSunday Schoolclasseshelpedbuildcharacterwithinme.They relatedmetoGod,helpedmediscoverteamwork, unleashedmypotential,andgavemethecouragetomake goodchoices.Ineveradvancedtoahighrankbecause footballbecamemypassion.However,theBoyScouts pointedmetoalife-longdesiretoloveandserveGodand others. MethodistswerebusyformingScoutTroopsaroundthe worldbeforetheBoyScoutsofAmericawasfoundedin 1910.WehavepartneredwiththeBoyScoutsforovera
Aftermonthsofnegotiationsandhearingsinvolving multipleparties,aswellasatrialearlierthisyear,U.S. BankruptcyCourtJudgeLaurieSelberSilversteinissueda lengthyrulingonJuly29,approvinginitialsettlementsof about$2.3billiontoabusesurvivors.Thatincludesa$30 millionUnitedMethodistcontributiontothesurvivors’ fund.
Silversteinrejectedsomepartsofthebankruptcyplan, sayingtheBSAstillhas“decisionstomake”asitcontinues afightforsurvival,butexpressedherwillingnesstowork withtheorganization.
UnitedMethodistleadersgreetedwithcautious optimismajudge’spartialapprovaloftheBoyScoutsof America’sbankruptcyreorganizationplan.TheBSAfiled forbankruptcyinFebruary2020amidmountingclaimsof Scouting-relatedsexabusegoingbackdecades,withmany allegationsinvolvingcharteringorsponsoring organizationsofScouttroops,includinglocalUnited Methodistchurches.
AsIwasbecomingateenagerattheendof1958,itwas goodtolearnsomevaluestokeepmefocused.Someone figuredoutthatyoungpeopleneedmentorsandfriendsto prepareustomakeethicalandmoralchoicesoverour lifetime.Ibenefitedfromhavingsomeonesayitwas honorabletochoosethegoodoverthemanydistractions andtemptationsthatwouldcomemyway. ItwasearlysummerwhenmyfriendPeterYosttoldme theBoysScoutsmetatWayneStreetMethodistChurch, blocksfrommyhouseinFt.Wayne.Iwasnewintown andneededtomakefriends.Troop12wastheoldestin thecityandmetinaroomsetasideforscouting.Nearthe gymwereopenspacesforpledgingallegiancetotheflag,
centurytobuildcharacter.In2020wehadover10,000 unitsrelatedtoUnitedMethodistchurchesintheU.S,but bytheendofMaythenumberdroppedtoabout6,600 Scoutingunits,partiallyduetothepandemic. Approximately140troopsarecurrentlyactiveinchurches acrosstheNorthernIllinoisConference. Wehavealwaysteamedwithotherorganizationstoteach peoplehowtomakegoodchoicesanddeveloptheirGodgivenpotentialwhilerespectingothers.Likeme,many peoplehaveenteredthechurchdoorsthroughafriend’s invitation.Inmycase,itwasthroughtheBoyScoutsof America. FromYourBishop: BoyScoutsandEvangelism 2 ReporterSeptember2022 UMCportionofBoyScouts’bankruptcyrulingapproved BySamHodges,UMNS* AjudgehasgivenpartialapprovaltotheBoyScoutsofAmerica’ssexabuserelatedbankruptcyreorganization,includinga$30millionUnitedMethodist contributiontoafundforabusesurvivors.UnitedMethodistcongregationshave longbeenpartnersoftheBSA.PhotobyMikeDuBose,UMNews.
knot-tying,relayraces,workingonmeritbadges,and basketball. Duringthatsummer,wewentonacampoutwithtents andsleepingbags,cookingandcleaning,games,and stargazing.Wehikedaten-miletrailthroughthewoodsin thefallandattendedajamboreewithothertroops.All theseactivitiesmademefeelpartofsomethingbiggerthan myselfandgavemeasenseofpurpose. BillChristensen,MickeyBeaver,RickyHawthorne,anda fewotherscoutswereactiveinthechurchwherewemet. OneoftheminvitedmetotheYouthGrouptheycalled “MYF,”whichmetonSundaynightinthesamegymwe usedinscouting.ThatishowmyjourneyinChristian formationbegan.WhentheMethodistYouthFellowship (MYF)met,therewasalargergroupofJuniorHighSchool studentsfromseveralschools,andthereweregirls! Afterameeting,someonesaid,“Wemissedyouin SundaySchoolthismorning.”ThenextthingIknew,my familywasgoingtochurch,andIwaswithmyfriendsin SundaySchool.Thatseventhandeighth-gradeSunday SchoolClassbecametheConfirmationClass,whereI learnedaboutGod,theFather,Son,andHolySpirit,John Wesley,salvationbygrace,andtheMethodistChurch.I wasbaptizedandjoinedtheWayneStreetMethodist ChurchonMay15,1960,justbeforeIenteredhighschool. Idonotknowhowmanypeoplehavecometolearn
Thecommitteeultimatelynegotiatedasettlementfor UnitedMethodistconferencesintheU.S.tocontribute$30 milliontoafundforabusesurvivors.UnitedMethodist localchurcheswouldinturngetprotectionfromfuture lawsuitsoverScouting-relatedabuseallegations.The NorthernIllinoisAnnualConference'scalculated contributionis$754,348towardtheSurvivorTrustFund, whichwillbefundedthroughchurchpledgesandother resourcesoverthreeyears.. Thesettlementalsocommittedthedenominationtoa reviewofallSafeSanctuarypoliciesinconferencesand localchurches;tomeetingwithsurvivorsofabusethat occurredinUnitedMethodist-sponsoredtroops;andto sharingresourcesacrossthedenominationaboutthe realityofsexualabuseandwaystokeepyoungpeoplesafe. Inherruling,Silversteinnotedthattherehadbeenno objectiontoTheUnitedMethodistChurchsettlement,and thatshefound“substantial”itsmonetary contributionandwillingnesstoworkwith survivors.Shealsosaidthedenomination’s commitmenttocontinueworkingwithBSA “helpstoensure…thefutureofScouting.” Alongwithapprovingthe$30million UnitedMethodistcontributiontothe survivors’fund,Silversteinapproved$78 millionfromtheBSA,$515millionfromlocal Scoutingcouncilsandnearly$1.7billionfrom settlinginsurers. TheAssociatedPresshascoveredthe bankruptcyproceedingscloselyandnoted thattheBSA,uponfilingforbankruptcy, facedabout275lawsuitsandknewofanother 1,400potentialcases.Therearenowmore than82,000claims.
TheCoalitionofAbusedScoutsforJustice—which includeslawfirmsrepresentingmorethan70,000ofthe survivorclaimants—notedthescopeandcomplexityof thelitigation.Thecoalitionofferedapositiveassessmentof Silverstein’sruling. “Theconfirmationofthisplanmakesclosurepossible andsomemeasureofjusticetangibleforpeoplewhose voiceshavebeensilencedforfartoolong,”thegroupsaid inastatement. Schol,inapressrelease,joinedinlookingforwardtoa finalagreement. “Iamconfidentthateveryoneworkingtogetherwiththe BSAwillbeabletoaddresstheremainingissuessothat Oath,“OnmyhonorIwilldomybesttodomydutyto GodandmycountryandtoobeytheScoutLaw;tohelp otherpeopleatalltimes;Tokeepmyselfphysicallystrong, mentallyawake,andmorallystraight.”
Some6,600ScoutingunitswerecharteredbyUnited MethodistchurchesintheU.S.asofMay,makingthe
UnitedMethodistleadersformedacommitteeto representthedenominationinthebankruptcy negotiations—somethingotherlargepartnergroupsdid aswell.
TheUnitedMethodistChurchanditspredecessor denominationshavehadarelationshipwiththeBSAfor morethan100years,mainlybyprovidingheadquartersfor Scoutinggroupsatlocalchurches.
StevenScheid,directoroftheCenterforScouting MinistriesatUnitedMethodistMen,saidthatthough hurdlesremain,hesees“Godactivelypreparingafuture” fortheBSA.
ButlocalUnitedMethodistchurches—whichinmany casesrecruitedandscreenedadultleadersofScouting groups—havefacedconsiderableliabilityinthat partnership.ThatbecameevenclearerasScouting-related abuseallegationsmountedandpromptedthebankruptcy filing.
denominationthelargestpartnerofBSAprograms.
survivorswillbefairlycompensatedand1millionyoung peoplewillcontinuetoparticipateinScouting.” Scoutingministrycontinues InJune,UnitedMethodistleadersandthe BSAannouncedtheywouldcontinueaspartnersbutina newrelationshipthatwouldincludeastandardaffiliation agreementforlocalchurcheswantingtohostaScouting group.ChurcheswillbesupportiveofScoutinginvarious ways,butsupervisoryresponsibilitywillshifttolocalBoy ScoutCouncils.NICtreasurerLonnieChafinsays churchesarerequiredtousethenewcharteringagreement andistheonlyapprovedone.Tofindtheagreement,visit methodistscouter.org/a-new-agreement *HodgesisaDallas-basedwriterforUnitedMethodistNews. “AScoutistrustworthy,loyal, helpful,friendly,courteous, kind,obedient,cheerful, thrifty,brave,clean,and reverent.” ThatistheScoutLawI learnedwhenIwas12years oldenteringtheseventh grade.IcouldreciteitfrommemoryalongwiththeScout
“IamgratefulJudgeSilversteinruledthatmostofthe BSAreorganizationplanmetwithcriteriaofbankruptcy lawandwasconstitutional,includingapprovingthe UnitedMethodistsettlement,”Scholsaidinanemailto UMNews.“However,thereareseveralmoremattersthe BSAmustaddressinorderfortheplan’sfullapproval.”
Initsownstatement,theBSAsaid:“Thisruling representsasignificantmilestoneinthefinancial restructuringoftheBoyScoutsofAmerica.…Weare committedtoworkingwithallconstituentstomakethe necessarychangesrequiredbytherulingtodrivethis processforwardandweremainoptimisticaboutsecuring approvalofafinalplanassoonaspossible.”
TheNorthCentralJurisdiction(NCJ)willconvenein FortWayne,Ind.,November2-5,2022withthetheme“We PressOn.”ThisJurisdictionalConferencewillgather delegates(layandclergy)fromacrossIllinois(Northern Illinois,IllinoisGreatRivers),Indiana,Iowa,Ohio(East OhioandWestOhio),Michigan,Minnesota,North Dakota,SouthDakota,andWisconsinforamomentous timefilledwithworshipandcollectivediscernment regardingtheelectionofepiscopalleadershipand receivingepiscopalassignments.
3September2022 Reporter
AuthorofUnitedMethodistSwedishhistoryreceivesaward
"They(FreedomSchools)havebecomesomuchmoreimportant becauseCOVID-19hasdevastatedpubliceducationintermsof funding,displacingstudentsandteachers,andincreasingprivatization,” HaletoldtheIllinoisNewsBureau. CDFsaysmanysponsorshavereturnedtosafeoperationthisyear, offeringin-person,virtual,andhybridprograms.In2021,CDF FreedomSchoolspartneredwith94organizationstoserveover7,200 childrenat152programsites. Rev.ArleneChristopherson,NICAssistanttotheBishopand DirectorofConnectionalMinistries,praisedSt.Markforreceivingthis grantandsaidthechurchisuptothechallenge.
FromtheCover:FreedomSchoolGrant
TherecentJudicialCouncilrulingandGCFAaffirmation offersflexibility:“AbsentGeneralConferenceaction,the formulaandnumberofbishopsforeachjurisdiction approvedbythe2016GeneralConferenceremainlegally bindingandeffectiveuntilreplacedbyanewformula.” Therefore,theNCJCommitteeontheEpiscopacy,after consultationwiththeNCJCollegeofBishops,proposes thefollowing: 1.TheNorthCentralJurisdictionwillreversethedecision ofNCJ2021,therebyreturningthetotalnumberto nineactivebishops,beginningJanuary1,2023,until thenextGeneralConferencedeclaresotherwise.
However,astheNCJhasattemptedtoliveoutthe experimentofreducedepiscopalleadership,withBishop LaurieHallerandBishopDavidBardassumingoversight
ChildrenatmanyFreedomSchoolsstartthedaywithaHarambeeritual.HarambeeinSwahilimeans“Let’sPulltogether.” ScreenshotphotofromPhiladelphiaFreedomSchoolsLiteracyAcademyvideo.
DuringtheSpecialCalledNCJConferencein2021,the delegatesaffirmedtherecommendationfromthe CommitteeonEpiscopacytoreducethenumberofactive bishopsintheNorthCentralJurisdictionfromnineto eight.TheNCJCommitteeonEpiscopacy(COE)withthe NCJCollegeofBishopshaddeterminedtheprudenceof anticipatingaGeneralCouncilonFinanceand Administration(GCFA)-announcedreductionaheadof the2020GeneralConference(GC).Therecommendation wasmadeprayerfullyandproactively,usingthedataand informationwehadatthattime.
“Iknowfrommytimeworkingwithyouthatthischurchinvestsin youthandchildrenfromyourmartialartsprogram,youthchoir,youth groups,Sundayschool;it’sinyourDNA,”Christophersontoldthe congregation.“Inthiserainoursociety,ouryouthneedmoresupport, guidance,andopportunitiesthaneverbefore.Weneedthemoral groundingthatyoucangivethroughthisschool.” St.Markwillopenitsafter-schoolprograminOctober2022andoffer thesummerprogramstartingJune2023.Formoreinformationandto getinvolved,visit stmarkumcchicago.org
ofadditionalannualconferencesforwhathasbecomea 24-month“interim,”multiplemedicalleavesamongour bishops,theuncertaintytriggeredbythepre-GClaunchof theGlobalMethodistChurch,etc.,committeemembers findsuchareductionimpracticalatthepresentmoment. Theyacknowledgethatsuchareductionwilllikelybeboth necessaryandinevitablefollowingthetransitionsfacing theUMCin2024.Butforthepresentmomentof transitionanduncertainty,theybelievethisapproved reductionwillnotnowhelpourjurisdiction“presson” intothefuture.
2.Additionally,theNCJwillbeaskedtoreaffirmthe DakotasandMinnesotareturningtoasingleepiscopal area,beingservedbyone(1)bishop. Theseproposalsarepresentedfortheshort-term,in ordertohelpusnavigatetheuncertaintyofthepresent time.TheCOEanticipatesthattheJurisdictional ConferenceSessionof2024maybringnewdevelopments andcircumstances,includingseveralmandatoryepiscopal retirements.Theyanticipateareturntonineactivebishops book“OntoPerfection:NelsO.Westergreen andtheSwedishMethodistChurch,” publishedbyWipfandStock. TheHistoricalSocietyofTheUnited MethodistChurchawardsthishonortothe authorwhopublishedthemostsignificant bookonUnitedMethodisthistory,biography, theologyorpolityduringtheprecedingyear. TheawardwaspresentedbyLindaSchramm, chairoftheSaddlebagSelectioncommittee, onJuly28attheHistoricalSociety’sannual meetingatEpworthbytheSea,St.Simon’s Island,Georgia. Norénsaid,“I’mhonoredtoreceivethis award,notonlyasavalidationofmyresearch andwriting,butalsobecausemy grandparents,likeWestergreen,were Scandinavianimmigrantswhobecame MethodistsaftercomingtoAmerica.Insome ways,Iseemyfamily’sstoryreflectedinhis.” OntoPerfectionpresentsthehistoryand evolutionofSwedishMethodism:thelargest foreignlanguagegroupintheAmerican Methodistconnection,toldthroughthelifeof oneofitsleadingministers.NelsO. Westergreen(1834-1919)servedanumberof churchesintheNorthernIllinoisandGreat RiversAnnualConferences.Westergreenwas achaplainduringtheCivilWar,helped organizetheSwedishConferences,founded theSwedishMethodistTheologicalSeminary in1870andtaughtthereinlateryears,edited Sändebudet,theSwedishMethodist newspaper,andservedasadistrict superintendent.Healsohelpedorganizethe EmigrantAidSociety,contributedtothe authorizedSwedishMethodistHymnal,and wasactiveinthetemperancemovement. Westergreen’scollectedwritingsarehousedin theNICarchives,whereNorénservesasa volunteerarchivistalongwithMarilyn SteenwykofUnitedChurchinSandwich,Ill. OntoPerfectionalsoexploreswhatis distinctiveaboutministryinanimmigrant community,andhowthathaschangedor remainedthesameoverthelast150years,as wellaswhathappenstoindividualand communalreligiousidentityofimmigrantsin theprocessofassimilationintothedominant denominationalandsocialculture. Formoreinformationontheaward,visit umchistory.org LindaSchrammfromtheGeneral CommissiononArchivesandHistory presentsRev.CarolM.Norénthe SaddlebagAwardforherbookonthe SwedishMethodisthistory.
fortheinterimwillprovidegreater“breathingroom”to helpprepareforthosedecisionsatthattime. TheNorthernIllinoisConferenceGeneraland JurisdictionaldelegationhasendorsedRev.LuisFelipe Reyes,pastoratSycamoreUMCasanepiscopalcandidate. Rev.JacquesConway,LakeSouthSuperintendenthasalso submittedhiscandidacyamongthefieldofnine candidates.Tolearnmoreaboutthecandidates,visit ncjumc.org andclickontheWePressOngraphicformore details. AllUnitedMethodistsacrosstheNorthCentral Jurisdictionareencouragedtobeginprayingforthe conference,thedelegates,andtheimportantdecisionsthat willbemadeinNovember. NCJCommitteeonEpiscopacyrecommendsepiscopalelection TheRev.Dr.CarolM.Norén,retiredelder intheNorthernIllinoisConferenceand professorofpreachingemeritaatNorthPark TheologicalSeminary,Chicago,recently receivedthe2022SaddlebagAwardforher
PennyRosenow,FirstUMCDeKalbmember
“Wefeelasthoughwearebreakingnewgroundin opportunitiesformissionandministryforour congregation,”saidCrail.“Thisisnotjustputtingtogether anewfacilityforthechurch,butitisreallyanew opportunitytoengagewiththecommunity,tobeina neighborhoodthatisintheprocessofrevitalization.Soit isnotjustaboutourcongregationhavingaplaceto worshipanddoouractivities;itisreallyabouthowwecan beablessingtoDeKalbandthelargerworld.”
4 ReporterSeptember2022
ItwasagloriousdayforFirstUnitedMethodistChurch ofDeKalbonSunday,July24,2022!Itwasaperfectdayfor theofficialgroundbreakingforanewchurchbuildingon 15acresoflandonNorthAnnieGliddenRoad–adaythat hadbeeninthecongregation’shopes,dreams,andprayers fornearly20years.Theearlymorningrainleftbehinda dayofblueskiesandbrightsunshine.
BishopJohnL.HopkinsgreetsmembersofDeKalbFirstUMCatthesiteofthechurch'snew buildingon15acresoflandoffAnnieGliddenRoad.
AsDeKalbFirstplanstoleavetheirlarge,beautiful,but agingdowntownchurchbuilding,(originallybuiltin 1908),foranew,smaller,lessmajesticone,PastorJonathan Crailputsomeofthecongregant’sfeelingsintowords.
ChurchleadersandmembersparticipateintheofficialgroundbreakingceremonyheldJuly24.
Thebuildingfundraisingandplanningbeganinearnest withanApril2017ChargeConferenceatwhichthe congregationoverwhelminglyvotedtopurchaselandand buildanewfacility.ThechurchhiredGregMcGarveyof HorizonsStewardship,whorecommendedtwocampaigns, asthecongregationwasadamanttherebenomortgage. Withmassiveinvolvementofindividualsandcommittees praying,“Lord,whatdoYouwanttodothroughme,”the firstcampaignwasasuccess. Thesecondcampaigncommencedthisyear,and“Help BuildtheFuture”campaignco-chairsJimHornandTom Webernoted,“OnJune12,wecelebratedtotal commitmentstooursecondplannedcampaign,justshort ofreachingtheCelebrationLevel.”Still,theyreported, “Whenwereceivedtheinitialconstructionbids,wewere stillwellshortofthemoneyneededtoconstructour churchbuilding.”
Butmorethantheblessingofgoodweatherwasthe blessingoftheapparentjoyofallpresent.Honoredguests includedNorthernIllinoisConferenceBishopJohnL. Hopkins,PrairieSouthDistrictSuperintendentRev.Brian Gilbert,andDirectorofCongregationalDevelopmentRev. J.MartinLee.Otherdignitariesincludedpastandpresent DeKalbcityofficials,formerlandownerandneighbor KateStorey,DanSaavedrafromSaavedraGroup Architects,andProjectManagersfromIrving Construction.Dozensofthemanychurchmemberswho havebeenactivelyinvolvedinTheHelpBuildtheFuture committeeswerepresent.
Church News Local
Thisnewswasobviouslydisappointingtomanywhohad workedandprayedforyears.Butlessthanamonthlater, onJuly3,JimandTomreported,“Asourjourneyhasbeen groundedingratitude,revealedinprayerandlivedin faith,wehaveprayedandkeptthefaith.Throughgenerous commitments,wehavesurpassedtheMiracleLevel.”
DeKalbchurchbreaksgroundonbuildingaftergenerouspledgescomein
Thecongregationhasbeenworshippingintheirbuildingonthe cornerofFourthandOakStreetsindowntownDeKalbsincethe early1900's.
SherryUhrich,co-chairfortheBuildingCoordinating Team,added,“Movingtothisareaisgoingtohelpusto buildonourmissionprograms,expandingouroutreach withinournewneighborhood,includingthenewhigh schoolareaandtheEden’sGardencommunitynexttoour land.”
TheBuildingCoordinatingTeamthenworkedwith SaavedraGroupArchitectsandthebuildingcontractors, IrvingConstruction,ontheestimatedcostsforthe building.Thisgroupwasabletodetermineanew estimatedconstructioncostof$4.8million.Thismeant thatDeKalbFirstwasonpacetopayforthebuilding withoutamortgage.Thisnewswascelebratedwiththe officialgroundbreakingonJuly24.Constructionwilltake 9-12monthswithplanstobeinthenewbuildingbymidsummer2023. FirstUnitedUMCofDeKalbhasaffirmedthatitistruly amazingwhatGodcandothroughus,througha communityonajourneygroundedingratitude,revealed inprayer,andlivedinfaith.Andthatmiraclesdohappen.
"Theseexcellentfacultyprovidedawealthofexperience andcommitmenttocollaborateonbehalfofandwiththe SpanishLicensingstudents,"saidPaul."PresidentViera sharedwithmehisdelightinteachingthesestudentsand Garrett'scommitmenttocontinuingtosupporttheir ministryformation." Pauladdedthattheseminarylooksforwardtothese studentscontinuingintheCourseofStudyandMaster's degreeprograms.
"Personally,itwasinspiringformetowitnessthe dedicationandperseveranceofthestudents,"saidPaul. "AllofourLicensingSchoolfacultyremarkedhow connectedthegroupwasandwhatajoyitwastoteach andlearnalongwiththestudents."
OneofthefirststepstobecomingaLicenseLocalPastor istoattendaUnitedMethodistLicensingSchool,which requireshavingaminimumof80hoursofinstruction withstudents.Theyreceivetrainingandmentorshipin areassuchasAdministrationandLeadership,Pastoral Care,andUnitedMethodistTheology. TobringthisopportunitytoHispanic/Latinxpastors, Garrett-EvangelicalTheologicalSeminary(GETS)offered theSpanishLicensingSchoolthisyearfromMayto Augustfor20studentsfromseveralconferences,including twelvefromtheNorthernIllinoisConference.
Oneofthestudents,XiomaraCastro,whoisservingat IglesiaMetodistaNuevoAmanecerinDesPlaines,saidthe experiencewasablessingandadreamcometrue.
"Thepreparationandteachingsoftheteachersincreased ourknowledgeandpreparedusfortheperformanceand guidanceinourMethodistCongregations,"saidCastor. "TheytrainedustodeepeninMethodistTheology,inthe administrationthatisavitalpartoftheChurch,andfor thelifeofourcongregation.Wecanclearlyseenowthat ourhumbleplans,Godturnsthemintogreatprojects,and thisprojectisoneofthem." GarrettandCourseofStudycoordinatorssay they'recommittedtothestudent'ssuccessfulcompletion intheprogram.
Paulalsosaidthefacultydiversity,includingclergyfrom NorthernIllinois,IllinoisGreatRivers,Indiana,Wisconsin Conferences,andaPh.D.studentfromGarrettand
"Weareveryexcitedtocontinueprovidingstudent supportservicestoourSpanishLicensingSchoolstudents, especiallyintheirnativelanguage,español,"saidHonorio Morales,CoordinatorofCourseofStudyfromGETS.As weconcludedits12weeksoftheSLSprogram,we celebratedstudents’accomplishmentswithavirtual closingceremonywhereparticipantsreceivedacertificate
ofcompletionandsharedtheirlearningexperiencesand potentialimpactontheircongregations." Moralesreportedthatonestudentremarked,“this programmakesusfeelimportantbyconstantly encouragingustocontinuewhilereceivingtheguidanceof Latinxfaculty.”Anotherstudentstated,“Culminareste programahasidoelmejorregalorecibidoesteveranopara míymicomunidad”(Completingthisprogramhasbeen thebestgiftthatmycommunityandIhavereceivedthis summer).” Allparticipantsexpressedtremendousgratitudeforthis opportunityandareeagertocontinuewiththeCourseof Studyinespañolnextyear. ~InformationcompiledbyRev.FabiolaGrandon-Mayer AlargegroupofHispanic/LatinxlocalpastorstakethenextstepstobecomelicensedthroughaprogramatGarretttaughtinSpanish. LocalpastorscompleteSpanishLicensingSchoolatGarrett TheInclusiveCollective(IC),avibrant,growing,anddiverse NorthernIllinoisConferenceandPresbyteryofChicagocampus ministryinChicagoland,iswelcominganewPastorandExecutive Director.Afteranationalsearch,theICBoardofDirectorsnamed Rev.LarryJ.MorrisIIItoleadthecampusministry,succeedingRev. RichHavard. Larryisaself-describedpersonalityjunkie,Appleloyalist,andplant parent.LarryisfromIndianapolis,Ind.,buthasspentthelasttenyears onthewestcoastinCaliforniaandNevada.Heistheco-founderof CommunionChristianChurch(DisciplesofChrist)inHenderson, Nev.,andownerofLarryJ.MorrisIII,LLC,whichhelpspeopleand organizations“realizetheirextraordinarypurpose™.” LarryisaPh.D.studentintheAfricanAmericanPreachingand SacredRhetoricprogramatChristianTheologicalSeminary (Indianapolis,IN).Theirresearchinterestsfocusesonthe intersectionsofBlackness,queerness,andsacredrhetoric.Larry comestotheInclusiveCollectivewithavarietyofuniqueexperiences, includingcommunityorganizing,diversity,equityandinclusion consulting,andprogramdevelopmentandmanagement. Initsseventhyear,theICisarelaunchofaministryknownas AgapeHouse.In2015,AgapeHousewasonthevergeofdying:ithad zerostudentinvolvement,adecliningreputation,andwas hemorrhagingpartnersandfunds.BelievingthatGodwantedtodoa newthingamonguniversitystudentsinChicago,theministry intentionallyrestartedinAugust2015astheInclusiveCollectivewith Rev.HavardasPastorandExecutiveDirector. Overthepastsevenyears,theministryhasexperienceda renaissance.HerearesomeglimpsesofwhatGodhasdonesince2015: •TheIChasgonefrom0peoplein2015toover115youngadults involvedinspiritualformationin2021throughsmallgroups, worshipgatherings,andretreats. •Over40%ofICmembersarenewtofaithorreturningtofaith, meaningalmosthalfhadnoconnectiontoafaithcommunity beforetheIC. •ICmembersarediverse:40%BIPOC,50%LGBTQ,and80%Gen Z. •HostedannualJusticeRetreatswithover100youngadultstolearn howfollowingJesusinvitesustoseekjustice. •LaunchedSouthLoopCommunityTable,aweeklydinnerparty withyoungadultsandpeopleexperiencinghomelessness. •Increasedthebudgetby140%whilediversifyingrevenuestreams anddecreasingdependenceondenominationalgiving. Denominationfundingwas72%ofthebudgetin2015and33%of the2021totalbudget. HavardlefttheICinDecember2021tobecometheProgramOfficer attheWayfarerFoundation,agrant-makingorganizationthatfunds andsupportsspiritually-rootedandjustice-orientednon-profits. Duringhisministry,HavardhelpedgrowthetheInclusive Collectionandexpanditsmission“tofuelyoungadultsthroughJesusrootedsoulwork.” “Inotherwords,westrivetocreateexperienceswhereourpeople encounterGodinsuchpowerfulwaysthattheybecomedeeplyaware ofwhotheyare,feelinginspiredandenergizedforcourageous,faithful living,”saidHavard.“ExperiencesthatstirthemuptofollowJesus, disruptthestatusquoandco-createGod’sBelovedCommunity.” Rev.Morrishashitthegroundrunningtogetreadyforanewschool year.Undertheirleadership,theICislookingforwardtothefuture, believingthatuniversitycampusesareprimeplacestoengage emergingleaderswhocanpavethewaytowardabold,faithful,and hopefulfutureacrossthecountryandtheworld. Visit LetsGetInclusiveChi.org orInstagram(@LetsGetInclusiveChi) formoreinformation. Rev.LarryJ.MorrisIII Rev.RichHavard WelcomeNewInclusiveCollectiveCampusMinister
"Thisisagreataccomplishmentforourstudentswho havebeenwaitingtofulfillthisstepforyears,andit'sa greatcelebrationforourNorthernIllinoisConferenceto knowthattwelveHispanic/Latinxservantswillbelicensed asLocalPastorsandareeagertobetrainedtobebetter servantsofJesusChrist,"saidRev.FabiolaGrandonMayer,PrairieNorthDistrictSuperintendent,whohas walkedhandinhandwiththisgroupofpastors."Thisalso showsusthatgreatthingscanhappenwithgoodwill, dedication,andcommitment."
Afterthestudentsreceivetheofficialdocumentationof completionfromGETS,onceappointedbythebishop, studentscanreceivealicenseforpastoralministry.This allowsthemtopreachandteach,leadworship,receivenew members,performthesacramentsofBaptismandHoly Communionintheirappointmentsetting,andcarryout otherpastoralduties.ManyoftheNICstudentsalso recentlygraduatedaslaymissionersfromtheConference AcademyforFaithCommunityDevelopment.
"Whatwasdifferentaboutthisyearwasourweekly onlineformatthatmadelearningmoreaccessible, especiallyforthosestudentswhoworkpart-timeorfulltimealongsidetheirministrypractice,"saidRev.Lisl HeymansPaul,GETS'DirectorofCourseofStudy.
5September2022 Reporter
PresidentJavierViera,alsomadethisyear'sprogram special.
GarretthasheldtheSpanishLicensingSchoolevery otheryearformorethanadecade,butleaderssaythisyear wasunique.
Aftertheapportionmentspresentationusingthepie chartsbyoneoftheAnnualConferencelaymembers duringSundayservice,IsharedmystorythatI’vebeen givingmoretothechurchthaneverbeforeduetothegreat needsoftheministryandmissionofthechurch.Isaidthe Pastordoesnotonlyaskthecongregationtogivebutalso leadsbyexample.Then,Ishowedmycheckandchallenged thecongregationtogiveaone-timeportionof$300, $50.00monthly,or$12.00weeklyuntiltheendoftheyear 2022tostrengthentheconnectionalsystemofTheUMC. Withouthearingthereactionsorfeedbackfromthepeople thatSunday,Ireturnedhome,pulledmyhair,and regrettedmyaction,thinking,“Areyoucrazy?"Whydid youdothat?Nooneseemedtobeinterested.”
Iknewaboutapportionmentsandtaughtevery congregationIservedaboutthem.Yet,CCFA’s presentationmademoresensetome,clearerthanever before.Isharedthedivineinterventionwithmylayleader andplannedtopresentittothecongregationjustasitwas presentedatAnnualConference.
givingunit,soIwrotea$300checkformyportion.
6 ReporterSeptember2022 Overthesummer,manyvolunteers,somefrom theNorthernIllinoisConference,unpackedmore than200boxesandorganizedhundredsofUnited MediaResourceCenter(UMRC)resourcesthatare backonshelvesagaininanewhome.Some resourceshavebeensent,andmorewillcontinueto besentasvolunteersgetcaughtuponthebacklog oforders. What’sdifferent TheUMRCrelocatedtoKumlerOutreach Ministries,aKumlerUnitedMethodistChurch ministryinSpringfield,Ill. Thenewmailingaddressis: KumlerOutreachMinistries Attn:UnitedMediaResourceCenter 303ENorthGrandAve. Springfield,IL62702-3822 Thenewphonenumberis217-523-2269,the numberforKumlerOutreachMinistries.Whenthe receptionistanswers,askfortheUnitedMedia ResourceCenter.TheUMRChoursofoperationare influx,soyouwilllikelyneedtoleaveavoice message.Pleaseincludeyournameandchurch nameinyourmessage. Itemsarenotmailedouteveryday.Itemsare generallysentbyLibraryRateorMediaMail,which ischeaperbutaddsdeliverytime.Orderitemsas soonaspossiblebeforethebeginningusedatefor bestresults. JillStone’semail, jstone@igrc.org,willbe discontinued.Pleaseuse umrc@igrc.org. VolunteersnowoperatetheUMRC;trainingwill beongoingaswecontinuetotransitiontonewways ofdoingthings.Pleasebepatientwithus! Thebuildinghoursare9a.m.-noonand1-3 p.m.,Monday-Friday.IfyouareinSpringfield, pleasedropintolookaroundandborrowitemsto takehome.TheUMRCislocatedonthesecond floor(anelevatorisavailable).Parkingislocated behindthebuilding. Whatstaysthesame TheUMRChasawonderfulcollectionofDVD studies,books,andmoreonavarietyoftopics! Don’tbuywhatyoucanborrow!Itemscanbe orderedanytimeonlinefromtheUMRConline catalog. Itemscanbemailedtoyourchurchorhome address,whicheverismostconvenientforyou.The UMRCemailaddressis umrc@igrc.org.Itemscan berequestedthroughtheonlinecatalogorbyemail. TheUMRCwebsiteis igrc.org/UMRC Theworldarounduscontinuestochange,and althoughtherearechangesattheUnitedMedia ResourceCenter,KumlerUMCispleasedtokeep theUMRCopensoitcancontinuetoserveits memberchurches.Weencourageyoutousethis convenientservicetoaccessresourcesforChristian education,leadershipdevelopment,ministry support,andpersonalspiritualdevelopment. Keepusinmindwhenyouseeresourcesof interestfromCokesburyorotherdistributors. ChecktheUMRConlinecatalogtoseeiftitlesare alreadyinthecollectionoremailustoseeifnewor upcomingtitleswillbeordered.Wewelcomeyour resourcesuggestions! Yes,ifyourchurchisamemberoftheNorthern IllinoisConferenceofTheUnitedMethodist Church,youalreadyareamemberoftheUMRC thankstoyourapportionmentdollars. Theworldarounduschanges,andtheUMRC encouragesyoutotrynewthings!Becreativeand bold!Andpracticegoodstewardshipwiththe UnitedMediaResourceCenter! JillStone,retiredUnitedMediaResourceCenterdirectorandnowoneofseveral volunteers,entersinformationintheUnitedMediaResourceCentersystemto sendoutordersforresources. Morethan24shelvingunitslinetheUMRC’scollectionatKumlerOutreach MinistriesinSpringfield. UnitedMediaResourceCentersettles intonewhome ByJillStone,RetiredUMRCDirector Iattendedthe183rdNorthern IllinoisAnnualConferenceright afterhearingthenewsfrom theFinanceCommitteethatour churchhasbeenexperiencinga $4,000monthlydeficitsince January2022.Itwasshockedsince wehadasuccessfulstewardship drivethatallowedustoreinstatethemusicians’salary (whichwascutinhalfduringthepandemicin2020-2021) andtopayourapportionment1/12theverymonthuntil June2022.
AsIputmorethoughtintoitbeforeSunday,itdidnot makesensetometoteachaboutapportionmentswithout modelingit.So,Icalculatedthetotalamountofthe apportionmentsanddivideditbythegivingunitsofthe congregation.Itcamedownto$300perpersonorper
OnthefollowingTuesdayattheTrustee’smeeting,oneof thememberstoldme thathehadalready given$300tothe church.Really?The nextday,onesenior memberapproached me,saying,“whatis thenameofthe$300 donation? “Apportionment!,”I said.“Iwillbringmy portionthisSunday,” hereplied.Wow! Astimepassed,I talkedaboutthe Apportionment challengetothe
Therealitydepressedme,andIdoubtedmyeffectiveness inministry.Iprayedandfocusedonhowtoresolvethe issuesduringtheAnnualConferencesessions.Then,the ConferenceCouncilonFinanceandAdministration (CCFA)presentedhowApportionmentsaredistributedto fundtheministryandmissionoftheNorthernIllinois ConferenceandtheGeneralChurch.Theyusedpiecharts toshowhowthesevenfundsareallocated.The presentationsoundedlikeGodtalkingtome,showingthe answertomyprayers.
leadersatthecommitteemeetingsandurgedthemto participate.IwroteanarticleandputtheNIC2022 Apportionmentinsertintothebulletins.TheStewardship Committeeembracedthechallenge,andthechairperson alsowroteanarticleonapportionmentsinthechurch newsletterandspokeaboutitduringtheMissionMoment inworship. AttheendofJune,wecollected$2,655.Wow!InJuly,the congregationgave$4,135moretoconnectionalgiving.The FinanceCommitteehascommittedtotalkingabout Apportionmentsmonthlyduringworship,tellingthe congregationhowapportionmentstransformlivesand strengthenTheUMCconnectionalsystemlocally, regionally,andglobally,usingvideosonthesevenWorld Churchfunds. PastorleadsbyexamplewithApportionmentchallenge ByRev.HyoSunOh,PastoratRoselleUnitedMethodistChurch (continuedonpage7,seeApportionmentChallenge RoselleUMCleadersaccepttheapportionmentchallengefromPastorOhwithgratefulhearts. Rev.HyoSunOh,pastor atRoselleUMC.
Nowitisourturntopickupthemantle.Andthoughwemay growwearyinwell-doing,God,YourHolySpiritisalways presentwithus.Sowestretchoutourhandstoyou,justasour ancestorsdid.Teachushowtolistentothemovementofthe Spirit.Teachushowtobediscerning;teachusthatnomatter howheavytheburdenmaybe,toputourfaith,ourtrustandour hopeinYou.RemindusthatYoualwaysgobeforeustoprepare theway.YouneversendusonajourneyoramissionthatYou havenotequippedusfor.Butyouareasking,dowehavethat hope,trustandfaithtoallowYoutoleadusandtoleadthis worldintoapathofrighteousness?
Presenter: Rev.Dr.MichaelBeckisapastor, professor,authorandDirectorofRe-Missioning forFreshExpressionsUS. 6TeachingOfferings Sunday,Sept.18-2-5p.m.-PrairieCentralSchaumburg:OurSaviour’s Monday,Sept.19-9a.m.toNoon-PrairieNorthFreeport:Harmony Monday,Sept.19-2p.m.to5p.m.-PrairieSouthDixon:First Tuesday,Sept.20-9a.m.toNoon-LakeSouthOakLawn:First Tuesday,September20-2p.m.to5p.m.-Prairie Central-Naperville:Grace Wednesday,September21-9a.m.toNoon-Lake North-ParkRidge:First Visit umcnic.org/calendar/fresh-expressions-2022 toregisterandfindoutmore.Questions?Contact Rev.MartinLee mlee@umcnic.org
cross-cultural/multiculturalministry.Youwilllearn skillstosupporttheCRCCministrycontext, personalself-care,andprofessionaldevelopment. Youwillexperiencemeaningfulworshipand workshopsfromsought-afterleadersand professionals.Wearelookingforwardtoseeing youthere. StandardRegistration: Sept.1-Oct.15:$50 LateRegistration: Oct.16-31:$60 Findmoreinformationandregistrationat gcorr.org/facingthefuture2022 Fall2022Events SpiritoftheLivingGod,fall afreshuponus ByEugeneWilliams,NICCo-LayLeader CloseyoureyesandlettheSpirit ofGodcomeintothisspace. Growingup,Ilearnedtobe patientandwaitonGodtoletthe HolySpiritembraceme.SoHoly Spirit,Iinviteyoutoreadthislaity message/prayer.Come,OGod andletYourSpiritfallafreshupon allwhoreadorhearofthese words.Come,OGodandbe presentwithus. Ourancestorsremindedusthat YouaretheGodwhoknowsall aboutus.TheGodwhoshaped
September FreshExpressionsTeachings
InmyfirstyearatRoselleUMC,Ivisitedthose whohadnotgiventothechurchforafewyearsand foundouttheywereinahealthcrisis.Iprayedfor them.Bysurprise,theygavetheirannualgivingof $6,000.Uponhearingarumorthatsomeonewanted todonateasignificantamountofmoneyinmemory ofhiswifetowardtheonlineministryequipment, theMemorialCommitteechairpersonandImetand talkedwithhimabouthiswillfortheproject.Afew monthslater,hegave$30,000tocoverthecostof live-streamingcameras,acomputer,andadigital soundboard.Whenweaskedthecongregationto helptheUkrainians,wecollectedalmost$5,000for thecause. Surely,thereispowerintalkingaboutmoneyand asking.Pastoralleadership,pastoralcare,and pastoralmodelingingivingandcooperationofthe layleadershipinspirepeopletogivegenerouslyto variouscauses,includingtheapportionmentdrive. Still,ourchurch,anagingcongregation,is strugglingwithfinanceafterthepost-pandemic.Yet, IamsureGodisnotgivinguponus,thechurch. Whenwedoourparts,Goddoesworkamongusto continuetoshareGod’sloveandgraceinand throughourgenerositylocally,regionally,and globally.
OGod,theworkthatyouhavecalledustodoischallenging, andsomemorningswedon’twanttofightthebattleanymore; butGod,youhaveanointedusandcalledusandhavesetus apartforsuchatimeasthis!
TheAnnualRockfordAreaCROPHungerWalkis thethirdSundayinOctoberandthegoalisto have200walkersraisinganaverageof$200each foragrandtotalof$40,000. TheCROPHungerWalkraisesmoneyforlocal foodpantriesandworldwidehungerrelief throughChurchWorldService.Peopleare welcometodesignateotheroverseasrelief organizationsaswell. Formoreinformation,ortovolunteerpleasecall DavidJones,815-540-3703,oremail davidj6226@aol.com
LaitySunday Thisyear’sLaitySundayfallsonOct.16.ThethemeisRISEUP!-andRevealGod’sgrace(2Tim 1:8-12).UnderthecalltoRiseUp,laityinthecurrentquadrenniumwillcontinuetoechothe invitationofthispassage:toRiseUpandreviveGod’sgiftoffaith(thatfirstlivedinthosewholoved us);toRiseUpandrevealthegraceinChristthatdestroysdeathandbringslife;toRiseUpand remaincommittedtosoundteachingwithfaithandlove;toRiseUpandretainthisreliablegiftof goodandbeautifulthingsplacedinourtrustbytheHolySpirit.Forresources,visit umcdiscipleship.org
EugeneWilliams,NICCo-Lay Leader
IheardfromtheFinanceSecretary,“Don’tpull yourhairanymore.Itworks.”AndfromtheFinance Chairperson,“Itismyconvictionthatthepeoplewill give,especially,whenitcomesfromthePastorwith examples.” Iinitiatedthischallengewithoutmuchconfidence aboutwhetheritwasgoingtoworkornot.Yet,over thelastyear,Ihavelearnedthereispowerinasking formoney.
SundayWorshipEvent:September18-21 ExplorethewaveofnewChristianchurches emergingtoreachunchurchedanddechurched peoplelivinginaculturethatisincreasinglynonreligiousandmulti-religious.
October16
TofindaWalknearyou,visit events.crophungerwalk.org/2022 November FacingtheFutureVirtual Conference November16,12:00-6:00p.m. BeStillasaSpiritualPractice:OnlineEventfor PastorsServingCross-Racial,Cross-Cultural,and MulticulturalContexts Afterabriefhiatusduringthepandemic,“Facing theFuture”isreturning.FacingtheFutureisthe premierconferencesponsoredbytheGeneral CommissiononReligionandRace(GCORR)for anyoneengagedwithordiscerningcross-racial/ andformedusinthewombsofourmothers.TheGodwhose anointingwasuponusevenaswewerewaitingtobebirthed intothisworld.Andyouknewournames;maybenotthenames ourearthlyparentsgaveus,butthenamesthatidentifiedusas thebelovedsonsanddaughtersoftheAlmightyGod.Youwere pleasedwithcallingusyourbeloved.SoGod,aswefocuson thesewords,helpustoclaimouridentityasYourchildren.We arethebelovedoftheMostHighGod!Andeveryday,OGod, youallowustohavelife;letyouranointingfallafreshuponusso thatwemightbefilledwiththeHolySpirit.
Findresourcesat umcnic.org/apportionments ApportionmentChallenge (continuedfrompage6)
October
Leading the LaityWordsof encouragement,insight &inspirationfromlayleaders
JointheRockfordAreaCROP HungerWalk
ForYourname'ssake,IpraythattheHolySpiritwilltouch eachpersonreadingthisprayersothattheirresponsewillbea resoundingYES!FilluswithYourHolySpirit,abidewitheachof us;speakhopeandencouragementtousandletusknowthat Thouartwithus.OGod,speakintoourverybeing;love, contentmentandjoy;healinganddeliverance.Thankyouforthe privilegetobeonthebattlefieldforYou.LetYourSpiritspeakto eachofus,OGod,thatindueseason,theanointingwillresolve anyproblemsthatmightarise.Sothatallofyourpeoplewilljoin ingivingYoupraiseandthanksgiving;tosayTHANKYOU JESUS,THANKYOUGODforthevisitationofthisreading.Be blessed,sistersandbrothers,aswegoforwardtodoHiswork andremain:INHISSERVICE.Amen,andAmen!
SpeakerSeries:Undenied:No LongerWillingtobeUnheard September22,12:00-1:30p.m. (InpersonandviaZoom) Location: OurRedeemer'sUMC,600W. SchaumburgRd.,Schaumburg,Ill. Speaker: Rev.ChebonKernell,ExecutiveDirector oftheUMCNativeAmericanComprehensivePlan, sharesinsightsandlearningrelatedtoindigenous communities’history,presentworkbeingdone, andhowwecanbeinsolidarityaswepreparefor thefuture. Moderator: Rev.PamelaPirtle. Forregistrationandmoreinformation,visit umcnic.org/2022speakerseries
7September2022 Reporter
AtKidsAboveAll,DeaconessCatherineInserra sharedthemanywaystheyareministeringtochildren innorthernIllinois,fromearlychildhoodeducation, toworkingwithfosterprograms,grouphomes,and providingcounselingforchildren,youth,andfamilies, justtonameafew.Inthelatesummer,theyreceive schoolsupplieswhicharestuffedintobackpacksand distributedtochildren.Thoseofuswhogatheredon August6hadtheopportunitytohelpwiththe organizingandstuffingofthesebackpacks.
Youarephenomenal!Thisyearwechallengedall churchleaderstorampuptheirSafeSanctuariestraining andincreasethenumberofvolunteerswhohavegone throughthisvaluablecourse.
Inresponse,Catherinesaid,we“giveto1,000 school-agedkidsinKane,Cook,LakeandDuPage counties,inourcaretoensuretheyhavewhatthey needtosucceedthisnewschoolyear.Yourwork, alongwiththeNICmissionpartners,localchurches, UnitedWomeninFaith,UnitedMethodistMen,and
individualscontinuetomodelincrediblegenerosityin somanywaystohelpourkidsreachtheirpotentialfor over128years." Wehadawonderfultimetogetherandideasfor futureministryopportunitiesforyouthandchurches wereshared!Wearehopingtomakethesegatherings ofyouthleadersquarterly,andarelookingtohaveour nextinNovember,mostlikelyinthePrairieNorth district. Tolearnmoreaboutthebackpackdrive,visit kidsaboveall.org *SharonRiceisanordainedDeacon,memberoftheDiscipleshipTask Forceand DirectorofDiscipleshipatFirstUMCBelvidere. Conferenceyouthleadersgiveback BySharonRice* ChurchesRallyAgainstRacism MembersoftheNICDiscipleshipandAnti-RacismTaskForcesvisittheKids AboveAllofficestohelpstuffbackpackswithdonatedschoolsuppliesfor childrenacrossnorthernIllinois. DIDYOUKNOW? JobOpenings ForthelatestjobopeningsintheNorthernIllinois Conferenceandacrosstheconnection, visit www.umcnic.org/jobs StayConnected SignupfortheweeklyNICeNews,Appointment AnnouncementsandSympathynotices. Visit www.umcnic.org andscrolldownandclickon“Signup forourNewsletter”toenteryournameandemail. Submissions Pleasesubmititemsatleasttwoweekspriortopublication date.Includeyourname,address,email,phonenumber andnameoflocalchurch.Spaceislimited. Electronicsubmissionsarepreferredwithhigh-resolution attachedjpegs.Submissionswillbeeditedatthediscretion oftheCommunicationsstaff. HowtoContactUs Foreditorialcontent,subscriptionsandaddresschanges: AnneMarieGerhardt Dir.ofCommunications 312-346-9766ext.766 77W.WashingtonSt.,Suite1820 Chicago,IL60602 communications@umcnic.org MembersatCaryUMCparticipatedinthechurch'sDIYRallyAgainst Racismeventbyshowingtheirsupportataninformationtableduring theCaryCruiseNighteventonJuly20. ChurchandcommunitymembersgatheredontheFirstUnited MethodistChurchlawninElmhursttocelebrateJuneteenth withmusic,education,andguestspeakersfromtheDuPage CountyNAACP.TheeventendedwithalivelyrallyonYork Roadwherepeoplerangcowbellsandraisedtheiranti-racist signstellingthosewhopassedthechurchthatUnited MethodistsStandAgainstracism. Approximately1,400carspassedbyFriendshipUMCin BolingbrookonAug.14asmembersparticipatedinthe2nd AnnualDIYRallyAgainstRacismeventsponsoredbytheNICAntiRacismTaskForce.Thisyear,the church’sFaithFormationministry teamincorporatedthisactivityintotheirIntentionalDiscipleship System’scommunityengagementefforts.�Findresourcesat umcnic.org/antiracism.
Westartedtheyearwithareportof1,362trained volunteers,andasIwritethisarticle,eightmonthsinto theyear,wehavegained800moretrainedvolunteers raisingthenumberto2,162leadersworkingwith children,youthandvulnerableadults.Theseleadersare Sundayschoolteachers,choirdirectors,youthleaders, missiontripchaperones,campstaff,clergy,andeven churchofficestaffandushers.OurstatisticsfromNIC churchesindicate5,818childrenandyouth(ages0-18) activeinourchurchesin2021.With2,162trained adults,wehavearatioof1trainedadulttoevery2.7 children.Youarephenomenal! Whyisthissoimportant?TraininginSafeSanctuaries isnotasignthatourchurchvolunteersarenottobe trusted;instead,itisawitnesstoourcommitmentto providesafespacesforministriesandprogramswith thosewhohavelittlevoiceandareeasilyexploited.Itisa witnessthatthechurchisprovidingtrustedadultswho
Rev.ArleneChristopherson,Asst.totheBishop/Dir.ofConnectionalMinistries
September20228 Reporter
Providingsafespaces
OnSaturday,August6,theDiscipleshipandAntiRacismTaskForcescollaboratedtosponsora gatheringforyouthleadersintheconference.Wemet atKidsAboveAll(formallyknownasChildServ),a UnitedMethodistaffiliatednon-profit,tolearnabout theworkandministrytheydo,growwithone another,continuebuildingconnectionsasyouth leaders,andgainideasforfuturemissionworkwith youthandcongregations.
canpreventabuseandsometimesidentifythosewho havesufferedabuseatthehandsofanother. Trainingequipsourleadersinidentifyingpredatory behavior.Trainingprovidestoolsforrecognizingsigns andsymptomsinthosewhohavebeenharmed.When wehaveleaderswelltrainedinprevention,wedeterbad behaviors.Whenwemodelgoodpractices,wehelp otherslearnaswell. Statistically,intheUnitedStates,themostvulnerable populationforabusearechildrenbetweentheagesof7 and13.Themedianageforreportedabuseisnineyears oldnationally.Therearesomanychallengesintoday’s worldforourchildrenandyouthtonavigate–being exploitedbyadultsshouldn’tbeoneofthem. AswereadabouttheBoyScoutsettlementinalawsuit thatspansdecadesofharm,ourheartsareheavywith the“whatifs.”Whatifwehadbettertraininginthose years?Whatifweknewmoreaboutthecharacteristics andpatternsofabuse?Whatifwehadwatchedand listenedmorecarefullytoourchildren?Ourprayersare withthescoutingsurvivorswhohavewaiteddecadesto beacknowledged,butnosettlementcanerasethe damagethathasbeendone.Whatwecandoisworkto seethatsuchstoriesarenotthenormtodayandinthe future. Ourworkisclear;wearecalledtotakeresponsibility, setthetone,learnfromthepainfullessonsofthepast, andensureabetterexperienceforfuturegenerations.If youhavenotyetbeentrainedinSafeSanctuaries practicesandyouworkwithchildrenwhetherinthe church,inyourcommunity,inamusicorsports program,oranysetting,Iwouldurgeyoutotakeaction today.Visitourwebsiteat umcnic.org/safesanctuaries andclickonthelinkforSafeGatheringstofindaselfguidedonlinecourseyoucantakeatanytimetoequip yourselftobeanevenbetterguardianofourfuture.