NCJ Conference Plans for a Vibrant Church Future

Bishop Dan Schwerin will continue as the bishop of Northern Illinois Conference as well as the Wisconsin Conference as of Sept. 1, the North Central Jurisdiction Committee on the Episcopacy announced on July 13. The two separate conferences are paired as the Northern Illinois-Wisconsin Episcopal Area.

No bishops were elected. Bishops Julius Trimble and Gregory Palmer are retiring, and Bishop Frank Beard has begun a medical leave. Read about the bishops' assignments here.

The only jurisdiction that elected new bishops was the Western Jurisdiction. Delegates added Rev. Kristin Stoneking and Rev. Sandra Olewine to their College of Bishops. Bishops Karen Oliveto and Minerva Carcaño are retiring.

Delegates spend much of the conference learning ways to apply the Wesleys' teachings for today's church, how to interpret the UMC constitutional amendment on regionalization amendment to annual conference members, community development, and more.

Read more NCJ conference news

Watch videos of NCJ plenaries and sermons

In Brief . . .

Using Storytelling to Capture Interest

Storytelling is a relatable, memorable way to convey information and engage peoples’ hearts and minds. Justin Irving says effective leaders master the art of storytelling to engage stakeholders in the mission of their organizations. Read more

Burundi UMC Makes Worship Accessible to Deaf People

The United Methodist Church of Burundi has taken a crucial step toward inclusivity by launching a new ministry focused on welcoming, supporting, and sharing the gospel with people who are deaf or hard of hearing.

“The mission of Jesus Christ should not be limited to people without disabilities,” said the Rev. Emmanuel Sinzohagera, Burundi Conference legal representative and dean of superintendents. “Jesus saved us without any discrimination.”

Support from the UM Deaf and Hard of Hearing Ministries Committee and the UM Board of Global Ministries made it possible to launch the ministry in the conference. The initiative marked a turning point for the Burundi UMC, which has lacked outreach programs specifically designed for these constituents.

The program will enable more than 580 UMs living in the region to participate in and understand the essential messages during church services and various meetings.

In March, the church officially launched sign-language interpretation courses for lay and clergy representatives of the 10 districts of the Burundi Conference, as well as for members of the conference’s evangelism committee. Photo: Sign-language interpreter Micheline Nkundwanabake (pictured) is a trainer.

Photo by Rev. Niyiragira Ladislas, UM News

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Around the Conference

• Weekly Methodist Liaison Office update and virtual prayer meeting, second and fourth Wednesdays monthly at noon. Upcoming meetings: July 24 and Aug. 14. Send an email message to the MLO for instructions on how to join the online meeting.

• Arts and Culture Series Visit to the Japanese Summer Festival at Anderson Japanese Gardens in Rockford, July 27, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Presented by the NIC Anti-Racism Task Force.



• Imaging Good Futures Summit, Aug. 3, 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Christ UMC, Rockford. Sponsored by the Midwest Methodist Foundation.

• Kids Above All Backpack drive continues through Aug. 23

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

• Celebration of Rev. Arlene Christianson’s Ministry in NIC, Sept. 8, First UMC, Downers Grove. 

• “Meeting at the Well: Sanctifying Grace and Anti-Racist Discipleship” (Clergy Peer Reflection and Engagement Series), Sept. 8-10, Loyola University Retreat and Ecology Campus, Woodstock.

Around the Connection

• CRCC Madang, Aug. 12-16, UMC of the Incarnation, Arlington Heights.

• School of Congregational Development 2.0, Aug. 4-6, Schaumburg. Register before Aug. 2.

• Meaningful Ministry, Successful Stewardship Conference, Aug. 9-10, Pine Lake Camp and Retreat Ministries, Westfield, WI. Presented by Wisconsin UM Foundation. 

Christian Education and Safe-Sanctuaries Resources

As fall approaches in a just a few months, support your Sunday-school and faith-formation teachers with some helpful guides. It's also a good time to review Safe Sanctuary guidelines with teachers and other leaders.

“Safe Sanctuaries for Children and Youth,” DVD with Joy Thornburg Melton   

Safe Sanctuaries: Reducing the Risk of Abuse in the Church for Children and Youth, by Joy Thornburg Melton   

100 Things Every Child Should Know Before Confirmation: A Guide for Parents and Youth Leaders, by Rebecca Kirkpatrick   

Seven Things John Wesley Expected Us to Do for Kids, by Christopher Ritter   

Teaching Outside the Box: Five Approaches to Opening the Bible with Youth, by Andrew Zirschky 

Wondering about the Bible with Children, by Elizabeth Caldwell 

List of resources

Online catalog

Contact the center

Find additional Safe-Sanctuaries resources on the NIC website.

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