It's Back to School Time!

Across the United Methodist connection, children we love are returning to the classroom. Join us in praying for teachers and other school leaders who inspire students to learn, dream and grow. 

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GCSRW general secretary announces retirement

The General Commission on the Status and Role of Women (GCSRW) of The United Methodist Church (UMC) announces the upcoming retirement of General Secretary Dawn Wiggins Hare. Wiggins Hare intends to retire in January 2025. In a letter to the Board of Directors, Wiggins Hare celebrated “12 of the most rewarding years of my life” during her tenure at the agency. As Wiggins Hare announces retirement, GCSRW officially opened the search process for candidates interested in applying to its General Secretary position.

Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.

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In Brief . . .

New Video on Regionalization 

Hear from bishops and General Conference delegates as they speak about regionalization and the ways The United Methodist Church will benefit from it. Then download and share it. 

Learn more.

Celebrating UM-related Educational Institutions 

The General Board of Higher Education and Ministry is excited to announce the launch of “Connexion,” a new initiative that highlights the impact and stories of United Methodist-related institutions across the United States, fostering a deeper sense of community, support, and transformation across the denomination.

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Partnership strengthens bodies and souls

The Nyadire Connection, a faith-based nonprofit founded by United Methodists in Pittsburgh, has partnered with the Nyadire Mission community in Zimbabwe for 18 years. Recently amid a severe drought, the organization raised over $100,000 to provide food relief to nearly 400 families, addressing hunger that was affecting students, teachers, and workers. The support has significantly improved attendance and performance at schools while also alleviating the economic strain on the broader community.

Photo and story by Kudzai Chingwe, UM News

Read the story.

Around the Conference

• Weekly Methodist Liaison Office update and virtual prayer meeting, second and fourth Wednesdays monthly at noon. Next meeting: Aug. 14. Send an email message to the MLO for instructions on how to join the online meeting.

• Kids Above All Backpack drive continues through Aug. 23.

• Braver Angels: Neighbors Exploring Ways to Depolarize Communities and the Nation, Aug. 29, Rockford. Co-sponsored by the NIC Advocacy Partners (part of the ARTF) and Braver Angels of Illinois.



• Academia de Siervos Laicos (Spanish Lay Servant Academy), Aug. 31 and Oct. 26, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., First UMC, Franklin Park.

• Creation Care: The Way to Net Zero event, Sept. 7, 9 a.m. - noon, Geneva UMC.

• Celebration of Rev. Arlene Christianson’s Ministry in Northern Illinois, Sept. 8, First UMC, Downers Grove. (Read calendar entry to learn how to send a special card or message.)

• UMMen Spiritual Congress 2024 “A Thousand Roads – Every Man’s Journey of Faith”, Sept. 13 - 15, Williams Bay, WI

• Installation of Rev. Wendy Hardin Herman as Prairie Central District Superintendent, Sept. 14, 3 p.m., Barrington UMC.

• Installation of Rev. Victor Melad Jr. as Lake North District Superintendent, Sept. 15, 3 p.m., Evanston UMC.

• Raising Our Voices - Bridging the Gap: Addressing Youth Mental Health, a United Voices for Children event, Sept. 19, 10 a.m, Wesley UMC, Chicago

• General Conference Debriefings, Sept. 21, 10 a.m., First UMC, Arlington Heights, Sept. 22, 3 p.m., Christ UMC, Rockford, Sept 23, 6 p.m., online via Zoom.

• NIC 2024 Youth Retreat, Sept. 27-29, Lake Geneva, WI. Open to all Middle School and High School youth (6th – 12th grade) across the conference.

• Chicago Temple 100th Anniversary Commemorative Worship and Centennial Concert, Sept. 29, Chicago Temple (First UMC)

• 35th Anniversary Center for Changing Lives Gala "A Night of Legacy & Transformation," Oct. 24, 5 p.m., South Shore Cultural Center, Chicago

• NIC UWFaith Annual Celebration, Oct. 26, First UMC, Arlington Heights.

Around the Connection

• Leadership Insititute 2024, Sept. 25-27, Resurrection, a United Methodist Church, Leawood, KS.

• Chior Music Weekend, Oct. 18-20, Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center, Lake Junaluska, NC.

Health and Wholeness Resources

Take a step towards better well-being with UMRC's curated list of health and wholeness resources. From mental health support to physical wellness programs, these resources are designed to help you thrive in your ministry and personal life. Explore the tools available to strengthen your body, mind, and spirit today.

Titles include the following highlighted resources:

• Christ Walk: A 40-Day Spiritual Fitness Program by Anna Fitch Courie

• Holy Listening with Breath Body and the Spirit by Whitney R. Simpson

• Made to Move: Knowing and Loving God through Our Bodies by Wendy LeBolt

• Stretch Out Your Hand: Exploring Healing Prayer by Tilda Norberg and Robert Webber

List of resources

Online catalog

Contact the center

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